Deal Calls for U.S. to Store Taiwan Missiles

A U.S. missile sale to Taiwan includes an unusual condition: The weapons will not be handed over to the island unless China threatens an attack, a senior U.S. defense official said in Washington. The arrangement is designed to meet a U.S. arms export pledge to not introduce more offensive military capabilities into Asia. Taiwanese pilots will train with the missiles, designated the AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, at U.S. ranges, the defense official said. China, which considers Taiwan a renegade province, condemned the $150-million deal.