Cornyn, Inhofe urge Trump to sell F-35s to Taiwan

President Trump should support the sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Taiwan to help protect it from Chinese military "aggression," according to a recent letter from Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and James Inhofe (R-OK).

"China shows the ability to wage war against Taiwan for the first time since the 1950's," the senators write in the letter. "However, with your leadership, it is possible to help Taiwan remain a democracy, free to establish a relationship with China that is not driven by military coercion. Taiwan has a legitimate requirement to field a modern fighter fleet to address a myriad of defense contingencies."

The senators argue that the United States should approve the sale of Lockheed Martin's F-35B vertical take-off and landing aircraft to address shortfalls in Taiwan's air defense fleet.

"At a reasonable operational rate, Taiwan is likely able to field only 65 F-16s at any given time in defense of the island," the senators said. "That is not enough to maintain a credible defense."

The F-35B's "modern, long-range sensors could help Taiwan intercept Chinese missiles, promoting deterrence well into the next decade," the senators said.

But, should the administration decide the sale of the F-35B to Taiwan is "premature," the senators ask that Trump approve the sale of additional F-16Vs, also made by Lockheed.

"Taiwan already fields the F-16, and this would represent a cost-effective solution to Taiwan's legitimate defense requirement for additional fighters," the senators said.

Trump, meanwhile, has signaled a desire for increased relations with Taiwan and a growing hostility toward China.

Earlier this month, the president signed legislation that encourages the United States to send senior officials to Taiwan to engage in diplomatic exchange. He also signed new Chinese tariffs into law.