International Shia News Agency

PressTV/ Washington pressures to exit air show in China

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association)- Seoul has come under US pressure to scrap its plan for sending a pair of military jets to an upcoming air show in China.

Plans to send a couple of T-50 supersonic trainers to the air show have been cancelled at the last minute due to demands by the United States, a South Korean Defense Ministry official, whose name was not mentioned in the reports, said on Wednesday.

The T-50 aircraft was jointly developed by Korea Aerospace Industries and the US Lockheed Martin company. The planes enjoy core technology from the United States, the South Korean official said.

“We decided to cancel our participation in the Chinese air show after the US cited its law concerning exports and trade of key US military technology…. South Korea maintains a mutual defense pact, and we need US consent about some military issues,” the official stated.

The air show is scheduled to be held in the southern city of Zhuhai on November 11-16. The event is part of a military exchange program between Seoul and Beijing.

South Korea has sought to open up new markets for the military aircraft beyond Southeast Asia, Europe and South America.

The event in China will be held at a time when the United States has increased efforts to boost its military presence in the region.

Experts warn that the “pivot” strategy of the administration of US President Barack Obama toward Asia, and the United States’ military buildup in the Pacific could lead to a potential clash with China.

 

 

Source:PressTV

www.shafaqna.com

Leave a Comment