Taiwan warns U.S. against revived Phalcon sale to China

WASHINGTON — Taiwan has warned the United States that Israel is planning to revive the suspended sale of the Phalcon airborne early-warning alert system to China.

Officials said Taiwan's message was that such a sale would trigger new tension in the Straits of Taiwan. The message also pointed to the need for advanced U.S. weaponry to Tapei.

Prime Minister Chang Chun-Hsiung has confirmed the message and told the legislature in Tapei that the new Israeli government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is believed considering reviving the Phalcon sale. Israel suspended the sale last summer under heavy U.S. pressure.

In April, Taiwan and the United States are scheduled to hold an annual meeting on arms procurement. Taiwan is expected to request the purchase of U.S.-made Aegis radar systems.

A U.S. Senate staff report endorses many of Tapei's request. Tapei has also sent a message to Israel that expresses concern over the prospect of a revived Phalcon sale.