Taiwan plans to buy US frigates despite China thaw: Report

Taiwan plans to buy eight second-hand Perry-class frigates from the United States despite improved ties with arch rival China, a local newspaper reported on Monday.

Taipei: Taiwan plans to buy eight second-hand Perry-class frigates from the United States despite improved ties with arch rival China, a local newspaper reported on Monday.
The island hopes to arm them with a version of the advanced Aegis Combat System, which uses computers and radars to take out multiple targets, as well as sophisticated missile launch technology, the Taipei-based China Times said.

The United States designed the Perry-class frigates in the 1970s but the majority remain in service, equipped with various forms of modern technology.

The deal would add to Taiwan`s existing inventory, as it already has eight Perry-class frigates built on the island.

The China Times report came less than a week after the US Defence Department said it had approved the sale of Patriot missile equipment to Taiwan as part of a package passed by Congress more than a year ago.

When unveiled in 2008, the package triggered strong protests from Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to take the island back, by force if necessary.

PTI

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