Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Taiwan announced the deployment of a cruise missile capable of hitting targets in mainland China. Military sources said that it will likely be displayed om National Day October 10.
The development of a long-range Taiwanese cruise missile was first confirmed by the former defence minister, Lee Jye, in April. Lee said that it was defensive in nature and would be “used in counterattacks against China's ballistic missiles” to strike only “airfields and radar stations.”
Taiwan has complained that the mainland has deployed 900 missiles targeting Taiwan.
Analysts say the weapon being discussed is the "Hsiung Feng IIE" surface-to-surface missile, which Taiwan has reportedly tested but never displayed nor deployed. It is believed to have a range of about 1,000 kilometres (630 miles), which would enable it to hit Shanghai.
However, the missile still needs sophisticated US satellite guidance technology.
Wang Kao-cheng of Taipei's Tamkang University said the cruise missile program would founder without US technology. The United States remains Taiwan's major weapons supplier.
The US House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a resolution declaring that the United States would continue to provide Taiwan weapons for its defence. It mentioned that China’s greatly improved military "poses an increasing threat to Taiwan and ultimately to the United States military presence in Asia."
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has taken certain steps recently to underscore the island's claim to sovereignty such as applying for United Nations membership.
Beijing has always claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and stated its willingness to use military force against any initiative that would turn the island’s de facto independence into official recognition.
Washington has criticised Taipei for its pro-independence measures but has encouraged the sale of defensive weapons to Taiwan, and, in 2002, President George W. Bush pledged to "help Taiwan defend itself if provoked."