U.S. lawmakers are urging President Barack Obama to authorize the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan.

Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said with over 1,600 missiles aimed across Taiwan Strait, the government needs the means to defend itself.

Democratic Representative Howard Berman also urged the administration to provide Taiwan with the planes. He says the military balance is shifting towards China, adding that many of Taiwan's 400 combat aircraft were no longer operationally capable.

U.S. officials risk upsetting their strategic and economic relationship with China with new weapon sales to Taiwan. China temporarily cut off military contacts with the United States last year after Washington announced a $6.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949 after the communists seized power from the nationalists. China has threatened to use force against the island if it formally declares independence,