US delivers F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan as island eyes threat from China

What the report says

The United States has delivered two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan, according to Al Jazeera, as the self-governed island continues to strengthen its defenses amid concern over China’s military pressure. The aircraft, built by Lockheed Martin, are part of a larger deal for 66 jets approved during President Donald Trump’s first term and arrived after months of delay.

Al Jazeera reported that the planes landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on Friday, after flying via Hawaii and Guam, and came about a week after Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. Taiwan’s defense minister, Wellington Koo, said more of the jets are expected later, while the delivery has renewed attention in Taipei on whether Washington will keep supporting the island’s arms needs.

The article said Taiwan is worried about Beijing’s claim that the island is part of China and about the possibility of conflict. It also noted that the United States is legally required to help Taiwan maintain self-defense capabilities, although the two do not have formal diplomatic relations. A State Department spokesperson said US policy has not changed and reaffirmed support for Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific partners. The F-16Vs have upgraded avionics, radar and weapons systems, but Washington has not provided Taiwan with its most advanced fighters.