This suggests that the U.S. will go ahead and deliver 12 P3-C aircraft tentatively approved in 2007. These are used in anti-submarine warfare, a perceived weakness in Taiwan's defensive posture, as well as in anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, naval fleet support and search-and-rescue work.
Analysts said the timing of the Harpoon announcement appeared aimed at lessening the blow in Beijing. Some added that there has been no outright freeze on arms sales to Taiwan.
"My guess is that the administration was waiting until the Olympics were over so as not to embarrass President Hu Jintao and the Chinese leadership," said Richard Bush, a Brookings Institution analyst and former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan, the United States' de facto embassy.
President Bush presumably used his trip to the Olympics this month to warn the Chinese that this was coming, analysts added.
"Now that Bush has returned, my expectation is that we will see a number of sales move ahead to Congress for review in the weeks ahead," said Alan Romberg, a senior associate at Washington's Henry L. Stimson Center.
The U.S. is committed by law to defending Taiwan, although exactly what that means and how much responsibility the island bears is subject to interpretation.
One weapon system the U.S. will probably think twice about is the F-16 C/D fighter aircraft, 66 of which were requested by Ma to replace aging F-5s. Their sophistication probably would elicit protests from Beijing that could increase tensions, analysts said.
"It seems there isn't urgency to move forward and perhaps even a preference to leave this decision to Bush's successor," said Bonnie S. Glaser, an analyst with Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Harpoon deal also signals improved relations between Washington and Taiwan. These were strained under former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, known for his provocative policies and inflammatory statements.
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mark.magnier@latimes.com
