The Taipei Air Show, to be held from August 12 to 14 at the northern Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, will gather 10 aircraft designers and manufacturers from northern Europe including Ukraine, the Taiwan-based Helicopter Development Association said.

"Ukraine has planned to send the Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft here to show off the country's state-of-the-art aeronautic technology," an association spokeswoman identified by her last name Huang told AFP.

"But we are not going to publicize in advance if these two aircraft will be actually on display at the show in light of the sensitive nature of the matter. Visitors will have to come and see," she added.

Huang said there had been plans for the two aircraft to take part in flying displays during the show but this had been cancelled following concerns from the Taiwan government.

If the two aircraft come to Taipei they will not be part of an aerial show, Huang said.

Military analysts said the exhibition would give Taiwan's air force their first opportunity to take a close look at the two aircraft which form the backbone of the rival Chinese air force.

Taiwan's United Daily News said that Beijing was disturbed about the possible display of the aircraft on the island and has tried to dissuade Ukraine from going ahead with the plan.

The People's Liberation Army has in the past repeatedly sent their advanced Su-27 aircraft to the Taiwan Strait to step up pressure on Taipei.

China regards Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory waiting to be reunified by force if necessary.

WAR.WIRE