Taiwan says US has not approached it about weapons transfers to Middle East

TAIPEI, March 10 (Reuters) - The United States has not approached Taiwan about transfers of weapons to the Middle East, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Tuesday, after South Korea said it was in talks about the possible redeployment of some U.S. Patriot missile systems.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Friday the U.S. and South Korean militaries are discussing the possible redeployment of some U.S. Patriot missile defence systems based in South Korea to be used in the war against Iran.

• Koo, speaking to reporters at parliament, said if any of their U.S.-made weapons were to be redeployed, that would only happen if the U.S. side made a request.

• Were that to happen, the U.S. would be responsible for transporting them, he added.

• "But so far, because of the U.S.–Iran war, they have not approached us about making use of any of our related equipment," Koo said.

• The United States is Taiwan's main arms supplier and Taiwan has Patriot missiles in its arsenal.

• Democratically governed Taiwan is facing increased military pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

• Media reports citing South Korean government sources said the Patriot systems were being readied for redeployment in the Middle East, with heavy U.S. military transport planes having flown into Osan to move them.