Two US-made F-16V fighter jets land in Taiwan: AFP journalist

Taiwan received its first two US-made F-16V fighter jets on Friday, as the island democracy upgrades its military capabilities to deter a potential Chinese attack.

The warplanes touched down at Taiwan's air force base in Taitung, on the island's southeast coast, at midday (0400 GMT), an AFP journalist said.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it, with Beijing opposing US arms sales to the island.

The two aircraft are part of an $8 billion deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump's first term and scheduled for delivery this year.

Their arrival comes as Taiwan awaits Washington's approval of a separate $14 billion arms package.