Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

US-based media reported on Thursday that the US government had privately decided to sell a new arms package to Taiwan, but was keeping it under wraps until after an official delegation by Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) visits next week.

Quoting unnamed senior US government officials, the Washington Times said the package would include new upgrades for Taiwan’s aging arsenal of US-made F-16A/Bs and it is expected to trigger fresh outrage from Beijing.

China’s armed forces have already developed a fourth--generation diesel-electric submarine, and their first aircraft carrier, the Soviet-made Varyag, will finally be ready at the end of the year, when it is due to take part in exercises.

Now we have caught a glimpse of a photo, leaked a few days ago, of what appears to be the prototype of China’s first fifth-generation — meaning it is capable of evading radar even when carrying weapons — stealth fighter plane, the J-20. The photo of the fighter during its first runway taxiing tests in southwest China has provoked much speculation and debate both in Taiwan and abroad, with some doubts being expressed over whether it is what it seems.