by Dean Cheng
The provision of aircraft and other assets to ensure that Taiwan can control its own airspace is an essential part of Taiwan's self-defense capacity. In the event of a cross-Strait conflict, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) would seek to control the airspace over the Taiwan Strait and the island itself. The ability to impose such control, however, requires that the PLA, and especially the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), devote substantial resources to aerial hardware and technology.
Therefore, the United States, per its international commitments and domestic laws, should provide Taiwan with the equipment necessary to help it secure control of its own airspace. This equipment should include the sale of new advanced combat aircraft, such as the F-16 C/D, so that Taiwan's air force is not outclassed by the PLAAF.