Officials in Taiwan have voiced concerns over the US decision to not to sell their government new and more powerful F16 fighter jets.

Critics have accused the US government of backing down on its pledge to help protect Taiwan and bowing to pressure from China, which is seen as a major threat to the island.

Shuai Hua Min, a Taiwanese legislator, told Al Jazeera that Washington is not helping Taiwan maintain the arms calibre of Beijing.

A US congressional panel is set to inquire senior officials over the deal next week.

Steve Chao got exclusive access to Taiwan's F16 programme.