11.   Besides the Aegis, the U.S. deferred sales of Apache helicopters and tanks requested by Taiwan.

12.   But he deferred the sale of high-tech U.S. destroyers equipped with the Aegis combat radar system.

13.   Farmers often defer sales into the next year for tax purposes.

14.   He called it a robust package and said Clinton had deferred sale of the destroyers and other items, not permanently canceled the deals.

15.   Taiwan requested four of the destroyers last year, but the Clinton administration deferred the sale.

16.   The U.S. also deferred sales of Apache helicopters and tanks requested by Taiwan.

17.   U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, currently on a visit to China, on Thursday criticized Russia for disregarding U.S. appeals to defer the sale of the missiles.