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| Howard "Buck" McKeon (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons) |
The chairman of the US House Armed Services Committee said Thursday in Taipei that he supports Taiwan efforts to participate in the Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC) and to obtain a transfer of US technology to build its own submarines.
"We have some influence and we will push to see that they (Taiwan's armed forces) are invited next time" to take part in RIMPAC, Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif) told CNA in an interview just before he and his congressional delegation wrapped up a two-day visit to Taiwan.
He said Taiwan's participation in the US-led RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise, will help build a stronger relationship between Taiwan and the United States.
McKeon said the issue was raised during his meetings with Taiwan's defense minister, Yen Ming, and the National Security Council Secretary-General King Pu-tsung.
RIMPAC 2014, held June 26 to Aug. 1 in and around Hawaii, marked the first time that China took part.
McKeon, who arrived in Taiwan Wednesday as part of a trip to East Asia, also met with President Ma Ying-jeou Thursday. During the meeting, Ma reiterated Taiwan's desire to have diesel-electric submarines to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
Read the full story at Want China Times