China's New Fighter Prompts Renewed F-16 Plea from Taiwan

photo Staff Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby

2011-01-22 (China Military News cited from AIN and written by Chris Pocock)

Taiwanese president Ma Ying-Jeou renewed his nation's plea to the U.S. for more F-16s, citing China's recent unveiling of the J-20 stealth fighter. Ma spoke after witnessing an air defense exercise that involved the launch of 19 missiles, including indigenous Tien Chien (Sky Sword) AAMs and Tien Kung (Sky Bow) SAMs. The new ground-launched version of the Tien Chien was also fired.