WASHINGTON, Rajab 14, 1432, Jun 16, 2011, SPA -- U.S. lawmakers of both parties have urged the Obama administration to authorize the sale of F-16 jet fighters to Taiwan, AP reported. The bipartisan support was voiced at a Thursday hearing on Taiwan by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican, said China had 1,600 missiles pointed at the self-governing island, so Taiwan needed the fighters to defend itself. She said it would be a terrible mistake for the U.S. to cut ties with Taiwan as some were suggesting in recognition of China's rising stature. The top Democrat on the committee, Howard Berman, also urged the administration to provide Taiwan the planes. The U.S. government says it is still considering the request made several years ago. -- SPA 18:13 LOCAL TIME 15:13 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/903039