Beep . . . beep.

(Reuters) — A U.S. sale of 66 new Lockheed Martin F-16 C/D fighter jets to Taiwan appears unlikely to go through, people familiar with the matter said on Monday, although they cautioned that no final decision has been reached.

Taiwan has repeatedly asked Washington to agree to sell it the advanced F-16 fighter jets, citing the need to counter the growing military strength of China, which views the island as a breakaway province.

China cut off ties with the U.S. military for most of last year to protest an American arms package for Taiwan. While other deals were possible, sources following the issue said they believed Washington would probably opt against the sale of new F-16s.

“If the Obama administration goes this way, as expected, then it’s a political decision,” said Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, which supports the sale of new fighter jets to Taiwan.

A source familiar with the matter, who declined to be named, also said the deal appeared unlikely but said no decision had been made.

Defense News, citing an unnamed Taiwan defense official, reported on Sunday that the United States had formally refused Taiwan’s request for the Lockheed Martin jets, claims that were not confirmed in the United States.