China on Track to Aim 2, 000 Missiles At Taiwan: Report

[Elmore Furth]

Source: Reuters

China will have 2,000 missiles aimed at its rival Taiwan by the end of the year, several hundred more than the current number, despite fast-warming trade ties between the two sides, an island defense study said.

Beijing's preparations setting Taiwan further back in the military power balance against its political adversary could destroy 90 percent of the island's infrastructure, the report published in the defense ministry's naval studies periodical said.

The increase from today's estimate of 1,000 to 1,400 missiles could raise tensions after two years of upbeat dialogue between the rivals that has cleared the way for direct civilian flights and a free trade-style deal in June.

China claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan and has not renounced the use of force to bring the island into its fold.


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/07/19/world/international-us-taiwan-china.html?ref=world

[florida08]

1. good grief!

and this is not being reported? Taiwan doesn't have a right to autonomy? Talk about american hypocrisy.

[bossy22]

3. they do, but the u.s. must tread carefully in this matter

we should try to avoid getting directly in the middle of this. The outcome of missle exchanges between the U.S. and china would not be good

plus taiwan isnt so defenseless; they have a sizable advanced fighter fleet (about 300 aircraft), a decent navy, a highly trained army, and a good sized missle inventory. China knows that if it tried to take taiwan back by force; it would be a very very bloody job.

[jody]

2. Perhaps China has more legitimate reasons than does the US re Patriot missiles in Poland. n/t