TAIWAN

Taiwan to Request Technology for Jet Purchases: Taiwan, seeking to develop its fledgling aerospace industry, will request technology transfers in exchange for its purchases of jet fighters from abroad, a senior aerospace official said last week. The island is seeking to buy F-16 fighters from the United States and Mirage 2000-5s from France in deals that would be worth billions of dollars. Local media have reported that Taiwan may also buy Kfirs from Israel or MiG-29s from Russia. Jack Tang, project manager for the Cabinet’s Committee for Aviation and Space Industry Development, said the government had decided to ask foreign suppliers for technology that would allow Taiwanese firms to produce parts for the fighters.