April 2, 2004 :: Reuters :: News
Taiwan is reportedly planning to produce 150 missiles capable of striking targets within China, according to a recent issue of Jane’s Missiles and Rockets—30 medium-range and 120 short-range—which will be based on Taiwan’s existing Tien Kung surface-to air missile. Taiwan may also produce some 500 land-attack cruise missiles with a range of 1,500 km, which would be based on the existing Hsiung Feng (Brave Wind) anti-ship missile.
The effort is said to take place over the next decade, which means that by the time the force is deployed, it would still be dwarfed by that of Communist China. Currently, China has at least 500 short-range missiles near Taiwan alone (distinct from its longer range missiles aimed at the United States), and continues its buildup at the rate of 75 additional missiles per year. Supposing China does not increase the rate of its short-range missile buildup, there would be some 1250 missiles offshore Taiwan within the same ten years. Nevertheless, Taiwan’s own missile development is salutary, and should conduce to both deterring mainland China and the defense of Taiwanese independence. (Article)
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