Arrival of the First Two U.S.-Made F-16V Fighter Jets in Taiwan

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Taiwan received its first two American-made F-16V fighter jets on Friday, as part of the island's efforts to enhance its military capabilities to deter any potential Chinese attack.

A reporter for Agence France-Presse stated that the two fighter jets landed at a base belonging to the Taiwanese Air Force in Taitung on the southeastern coast of the island at noon (04:00 GMT).

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has threatened to use force to take control of it, while Beijing opposes U.S. arms sales to the island.

These two aircraft are part of an $8 billion deal that includes 66 F-16V jets, a deal that was approved during the first term of U.S. President Donald Trump and was scheduled for delivery this year.

The arrival of the two aircraft comes at a time when Taiwan is awaiting Washington's approval for a separate arms deal worth 14 billion dollars.