Editorial: US Finalizes Sale of Perry-class Frigates to Taiwan

USS Taylor (Image: Wiki Commons)

By Ankit Panda

U.S. President Barack Obama signed legislation approving the sale of four frigates to Taiwan.

In a move that drew Beijing’s condemnation, the U.S. approved the sale of four used warships to Taiwan. A statement released by the White House on Thursday noted that U.S. President Barack Obama signed legislation formally authorizing the sale of four Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates. The legislation was long-expected. The U.S. House of Representatives initially approved the sale in April 2014, ahead of Obama’s trip to Asia. The same House bill that approved the sale also reaffirmed the United States Congress’ commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act, which saw its 35th anniversary this year.

The four Perry-class frigates in question are the USS Taylor, USS Gary, USS Carr, and USS Elrod. All four vessels were commissioned in 1984 and 1985, and have the ability to support sophisticated surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems. The sale was approved under a U.S. excess defense article (EDA) reallocation program. 

Read the full story at The Diplomat