Japan Urges Quick Approval of FSX Fighter Deal by Congress
The Japanese government on Saturday called for quick U.S. congressional approval of an agreement by the United States and Japan to jointly build an advanced version of the American F-16 jet fighter, the FSX.
President Bush announced the accord Friday after months of negotiations that caused a split in his own Cabinet and angered Japanese officials. He said the proposed arrangement would bolster the security of both nations without compromising U.S. technology.
“We understand the Bush Administration is going to send this to Congress to get approval of the transfer of high technology,” said a Foreign Ministry spokesman.
“We now expect this joint program for development of the future fighter will be implemented smoothly,” he said.
Asked if he is concerned about possible congressional opposition to the agreement, the spokesman said, “That is why I used the words, ‘We expect it will be implemented.’ ”
The proposed deal, which dates to the final year of the Ronald Reagan Administration, will be sent to Congress for a 30-day review.
Some members of Congress have voiced concern that the agreement could provide the Japanese with valuable American know-how and jeopardize U.S. dominance of the aerospace industry.
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