Pentagon officials said the announcement had no connection with China-Taiwan tensions in the wake of the re-election in Taipei of President Chen Shui-bien.

"This request was under discussion well before 2001 when the arms sale package was approved for Taiwan," a defense official said. "Nothing should be read into the timing of this announcement."

Nevertheless, it comes amid a buildup of Chinese ballistic missiles across the Taiwan Strait and US-backed efforts to upgrade Taiwan's defenses.

The request for the radars was made by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.

"These radars will assist the recipient to identify and detect ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and air breathing target threats," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

Valued at 1.776 billion dollars, the sale would include communications equipment, facilities to house and maintain the radars and missile warning centers as well as training, spare parts and other forms of support.

The DSCA said Raytheon, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and Lockheed Martin, of Syracuse, New York, were expected to bid to be the prime contractors.

The US Congress has 30 days to review the request.

"The Department of Defense remains firmly committed to fulfilling the security and arms sales provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act," the defense official said.

The official noted "the need for Taiwan to strengthen its defense capabilities in order to create an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue and regional stability."

China now has roughly 500 ballistic missiles within range of Taiwan and is adding more at a rate of about 75 a year, according to US officials.

China also has acquired Russian fighter aircraft, warships and other systems over the past five years, raising concerns in Washington that Beijing is seeking the capability to take pre-emptive military action against Taiwan.

Washington has urged Taiwan to invest in spy satellites and electronic eavesdropping aircraft, missile defenses, anti-submarine warfare systems and data-links that would give commanders a common picture of their operations.

WAR.WIRE