U.S. Pacific Command nominee backs Taiwan Relations Act
ROC Central News Agency
2012/02/11 13:44:28
By Tony Liao and Y.F. Low
Washington, Feb. 10 (CNA) The nominee for U.S. Pacific Command commander has expressed his firm support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) which obliges Washington to help Taipei defend itself.
Samuel Locklear said the law, which guides the unofficial relations between the United States and Taiwan, plays a valuable and important role in U.S. approach to the Asia-Pacific region.
"As called for in the TRA, our long-standing policy to assist Taiwan with maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability helps ensure security and stability in the region," Locklear said. "I would not recommend any changes to the law."
Locklear was testifying at a confirmation hearing held by the Senate Committee on Armed Services Thursday, during which he was asked if he saw any need to modify the TRA, which was enacted in 1979.
On Taiwan's request to acquire new F-16 C/D fighters, Locklear said the recently announced F-16 A/B upgrades are similar in capability to F-16 C/Ds. He added that if his appointment is confirmed, he will continue to evaluate Taiwan's defense needs in coordination with the Department of Defense.
He said the United States needs to maintain military-to-military engagement with Taiwan and assist Taiwan with joint operations capabilities and training, streamlining and integrating its existing defense programs to be more effective, and seeking innovative solutions to complement its traditional military capabilities.
On the other hand, Taiwan must ensure that it adequately resources its defense programs and defense transformation, including increasing its defense budget, he said.
"I believe the best way to encourage Taiwan to invest more in its military is to send strong and consistent messages from the U.S. government to Taiwan."
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