Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Taiwan test-fires missile capable of striking China
TAIPEI: Taiwan has test-fired a cruise missile capable of hitting rival China, it was reported on Tuesday, amid fresh tensions across the region.
The Hsiung-feng 2E (Brave Wind) cruise missile, currently capable of a range of 600 kilometres (360 miles), was test-fired at the southern Chiupeng missile base on February 2, the United Daily News reported, citing a military source.
The missile could be fired from land bases, airplanes or warships and has the ability to hit Shanghai or Hong Kong, the paper said, and its range could be increased to 1,000 kilometres. The defence ministry declined to comment on the report.
The report comes as tensions across the Taiwan straight have risen after President Chen Shui-bian pledged to push for independence and a new constitution earlier this week.
Chen, defence minister Lee Jye and another senior politician from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) witnessed the missile test, the report said without identifying sources.
ââ¬ÅSome DPP legislators said they believe the (missile) deterrent had given President Chen confidence in saying ââ¬Ëfour wants, one no,ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬Â the report said, without naming sources.
Taiwan has produced three prototypes of a cruise missile which could be used to strike the east coast of China, Janeââ¬â¢s Defence Weekly has said.
In an article in 2006, the authoritative weekly said Taiwan plans to produce 50 of the Hsiung Feng 2E missiles before 2010 and up to 500 after 2010.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should it declare formal independence, prompting the island to seek more advanced weaponry to defend itself.
Military poses no threat:
China on Tuesday brushed aside foreign concern over its military build-up, insisting that it was a force for peace and stability in the world.
ââ¬ÅChina pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. It safeguards its own lawful rights and interests, and also respects the lawful rights and interests of other countries,ââ¬Â Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told reporters. ââ¬ÅWe will always be a force for peace, cooperation and development.ââ¬Â
Chinese military officials and outside analysts have said Beijing is beefing up its armed forces in part to be able to take back the island of Taiwan by force if necessary.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\03\07\story_7-3-2007_pg4_6
Taiwan test-fires missile capable of striking China
TAIPEI: Taiwan has test-fired a cruise missile capable of hitting rival China, it was reported on Tuesday, amid fresh tensions across the region.
The Hsiung-feng 2E (Brave Wind) cruise missile, currently capable of a range of 600 kilometres (360 miles), was test-fired at the southern Chiupeng missile base on February 2, the United Daily News reported, citing a military source.
The missile could be fired from land bases, airplanes or warships and has the ability to hit Shanghai or Hong Kong, the paper said, and its range could be increased to 1,000 kilometres. The defence ministry declined to comment on the report.
The report comes as tensions across the Taiwan straight have risen after President Chen Shui-bian pledged to push for independence and a new constitution earlier this week.
Chen, defence minister Lee Jye and another senior politician from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) witnessed the missile test, the report said without identifying sources.
ââ¬ÅSome DPP legislators said they believe the (missile) deterrent had given President Chen confidence in saying ââ¬Ëfour wants, one no,ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬Â the report said, without naming sources.
Taiwan has produced three prototypes of a cruise missile which could be used to strike the east coast of China, Janeââ¬â¢s Defence Weekly has said.
In an article in 2006, the authoritative weekly said Taiwan plans to produce 50 of the Hsiung Feng 2E missiles before 2010 and up to 500 after 2010.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should it declare formal independence, prompting the island to seek more advanced weaponry to defend itself.
Military poses no threat:
China on Tuesday brushed aside foreign concern over its military build-up, insisting that it was a force for peace and stability in the world.
ââ¬ÅChina pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. It safeguards its own lawful rights and interests, and also respects the lawful rights and interests of other countries,ââ¬Â Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told reporters. ââ¬ÅWe will always be a force for peace, cooperation and development.ââ¬Â
Chinese military officials and outside analysts have said Beijing is beefing up its armed forces in part to be able to take back the island of Taiwan by force if necessary.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\03\07\story_7-3-2007_pg4_6
