The two F-16Vs, made by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, touched down under a clear sky at Taiwan's air force base in Taitung, on the island's southeast coast. (EPA Images pic)

TAITUNG: Taiwan received its first F-16V fighter jets made by the US on Friday, as the island democracy upgrades its military capabilities to deter a potential Chinese attack.

The warplanes are part of a US$8 billion deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump's first term and scheduled for delivery this year.

The arrival of the aircraft comes as Taiwan awaits Washington's approval of a separate US$14 billion arms package that Trump paused after Chinese objections.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it.