Range of Hsiungfeng 2E
Posted on 10/16/2009 1:26:16 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Taiwan has carried out its largest-ever missile exercise, less than a fortnight after China showed off advanced ballistic weaponry in a massive National Day parade, local media said Wednesday. The missiles were launched on Tuesday from the secretive and tightly guarded Chiupeng base in southern Taiwan and could strike major Chinese cities, the United Daily News reported.
President Ma Ying-jeou, who has been criticised for being too friendly with China, was among the observers of the exercise, the paper said, citing a "reliable military source".
The test came after China, which has vowed to take back Taiwan, celebrated 60 years of communist rule on October 1 by parading high-tech weapons including intercontinental ballistic missiles through the streets of Beijing.
Taiwan's defence ministry declined to comment on the report, which was also carried by the Liberty Times, when contacted by AFP.
The missiles tested included the Hsiungfeng 2E, which has a range of around 600 kilometres (375 miles) and has not yet entered the military's inventory, according to the Liberty Times.
The missile is intended for launch from both land and sea, and would be capable of striking airports and missile bases in southeast China, as well as cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong, military experts say.
Ties between Taipei and Beijing have improved markedly since Ma came to power in May last year, pledging to boost trade and allow in more Chinese tourists.
However, Beijing, which still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, has refused to renounce the use of force in dealing with Taiwan.
In his annual National Day address last week, Ma said Taiwan would "never ignore the other side's military threat despite significant improvements in cross-Strait ties".
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
Go Taiwan, show the Chicoms your stuff.
All fine & good, but Obama is working hard to make sure the Commies maintain their edge.
I'm sure you have China's attention now.
They own us.. plain and simple. China can do as they wish.. 0 certainly won’t try to upset ‘em.
I wonder how this year’s Nobel Peace prize winner will address the very recent escalation of displays of power by North Korea, Taiwan and China.
He's loosening missile technology controls ala 'Toon's administration.
Taiwan needs some WMDs bad.
Hey freeps, lessay the PRC attacks Taiwan 2night —how many of you think that Obama would order US Naval forces into all out action to prevent the fall of Taiwan..?
I’m talking US aircraft attacking ships under way to Taiwan, submarines attacking Chinese navy ships headed towards Taiwan, US aircraft shooting down PRC aircraft, etc.
How many people here think he would do that today?
Such a scenario would not play out today or this year, but I think there is a small chance (like 10% or a little higher) of PRC invasion in the next 3.5 years, yep.
I dunno, I could see him lending a few US destroyers in support of a PRC blockade.
What “take back Taiwan”? It has never been a part of China. Arguably, it has been a US possession since 1946. What is the status of that lawsuit? Anyone know?
Tawain legitimately needs nuclear weapons to deter an overly aggressive China, without relying on the unreliable Obama-led US.
Well if they play their cards right they should be able to buy them from Iran in the very near future.
less than a fortnight after China showed off advanced ballistic weaponry
Its the next step.
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