Reports from Taiwan say that the government plans to buy four advanced warships from the United States in a move aimed at deterring any military threat from Beijing.

A Taipei newspaper said the almost five-billion-dollar cost of the ships -- Aegis class destroyers -- would strain the defence budget and could start a new arms race between Taiwan and China.

There's been no official comment from either Taipei or Washington.

Earlier this year the United States announced plans to sell three refurbished frigates to Taiwan.

China insists that weapons sales to Taiwan violate international law, but Washington says they are justified for defensive purposes.