Source:
ReutersWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Friday announced about
$6.5 billion in advanced arms sales to Taiwan, including 30 Boeing Co Apache attack helicopters and 330 Patriot missiles, a move that could well anger China.
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency told lawmakers that the sale -- which also includes 32 Harpoon submarine-launched missiles -- would support Taiwan's continuing efforts to modernize its military.
"The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," said the agency, which oversees major arms sales.
U.S. lawmakers have 30 days to block the six separate arms deals, although such action is rare since any major arms agreements are carefully vetted before they are made public.
Read more:
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE49302G20081004
Um. Is this SOP?