On January 29, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) released Congressional notifications for arms sales to Taiwan worth $6.4 billion. The list of weapons systems included in the package is a legacy from the Bush administration. The sale is an important confirmation from the Obama administration that the United States still supports the security of the democratic island against military threats from the Beijing regime on the Chinese mainland. The package includes 60 UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, 114 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles, 2 refurbished Osprey-class mine hunting ships, and 60 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems to upgrade Taiwan's fleet of obsolescent U.S.-supplied destroyers and frigates. What have not been included are the 66 F-16C/D fighters than Taiwan has requested to defend its skies. Holding back these aircraft will not appease Beijing, but will weaken the balance of forces which deterrence requires....(Read Full Post)