(CNN) Taiwan wants to buy advanced new weaponry from the United States, the island's President Tsai Ing-wen said Wednesday.

Speaking during a visit to Hawaii, Tsai said requests had been submitted to buy new F-16 fighters and M1 tanks.

The move comes after the US Defense Intelligence Agency warned in January that China had rapidly modernized its military to improve its ability to fight regional conflicts over places like Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its sovereign territory.

"Beijing's longstanding interest to eventually compel Taiwan's reunification with the mainland and deter any attempt by Taiwan to declare independence has served as the primary driver for China's military modernization," the DIA said in a report.

Tsai said the weaponry she had requested from Washington would "greatly enhance our land and air capabilities, strengthen military morale and show to the world the US commitment to Taiwan's defense."

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