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| F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (File Photo) |
By Kent Wang
In an increasingly tense region, a strong Taiwan has important implications for US policy.
According to recent reports, Moscow and Beijing expect to seal a deal on the sale of the 4++ generation fighter Su-35S to China in 2014. This gives China the ability to project military power over a larger portion of Southeast Asia and indeed, most of ASEAN. If successful, the acquisition could have an immediate impact on territorial disputes in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The Su-35, combined with China’s already significant ballistic missile forces and other anti-access weapons, could provide strength-in-depth, multi-layered capabilities to protect China’s claims and make others less eager to intervene if China chose to pursue conflict with its neighbors.
So where does Taiwan fit into this? China plans to procure the Sukhoi Su-35 would place all of Taiwan within the scope of China’s air defense network. The tactical situation is unfavorable for Taiwan, as the Su-35S will be able to spot Taiwan’s 126 outdated indigenous defense fighters and 145 aging F-16A/B fighter at 400 kilometers with its new radar. The deal prompted a new round of commentary in Washington on the intent behind China’s robust military modernization and Beijing’s ultimate ambitions.
Taiwan currently flies the F-16A/B and is facing a significant decline in its air defense capabilities. A Pentagon study on Taiwan’s air power recommends selling Taiwan the more advanced U.S. F-35 joint strike fighter. It signals that the U.S. administration knows full well the F-35 is what Taiwan needs, but the sale would require a comprehensive rethink on Taiwan at the Pentagon. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. is obligated to supply Taiwan with all necessary weapons to organize a sufficient defense. There is no question that a request for F-35 is within the letter of this law, making any sale consistent with the precepts of U.S. policy.
Read the full story at The Diplomat