Pentagon OKs missile sale to Taiwan

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-missiles28-2008aug28,0,590025.story

Ending an apparent freeze on providing arms to the island, the deal comes at a time of warming cross-strait ties between China and Taiwan.

By Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 28, 2008

GUANGZHOU, CHINA -- Washington will sell $90 million worth of anti-ship missiles to Taiwan, ending what some analysts said has been a U.S. freeze on arms sales that was designed to ease cross-strait tension between China and Taiwan.

The Department of Defense has given the go-ahead for the purchase of 60 Harpoon Air Launch missiles made by McDonnell Douglas Corp. for delivery in 2009, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported Wednesday.

The announcement comes at a time of improved relations between China and Taiwan. Since taking office in May, Taiwanese President Ma Ying- jeou has pledged to improve economic and political relations with China even as he has promised to maintain the island's defense capabilities.

The Harpoon missile deal is in addition to a $12-billion arms package sought for Taiwan that has been stalled for years.

[RC]

1. Well, if the Georgia cock-up didn't start WW-III, then maybe this will.

Then where will we import the high tech parts for our war toys from?