24.10.2004, 11:41
Zitat:Taiwan unveils missiles to show need for US armsQuelle: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.turkishdailynews.com/FrTDN/latest/for2.htm#f27">http://www.turkishdailynews.com/FrTDN/l ... r2.htm#f27</a><!-- m -->
Taiwan is keen to boost its defenses against China, which claims the self-governing, democratic island as a rebel province and threatens to invade if it declares formal independence
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WAN LI ARMY BASE - Reuters
Taiwan unveiled its missile defenses for the first time on Friday as the government strives to convince lawmakers and a sceptical public of the importance of an $18-billion U.S. arms deal.
With three weeks left for Parliament to approve the budget before its session ends for the year, the military opened a Patriot anti-missile base to reporters to underscore the need for more advanced weaponry to counter a growing number of Chinese missiles aimed at the island.
"Communist China has greatly increased the quality and quantity of its ballistic missiles," said Koo Feng-tai, commander of the Taiwan military's air defense.
"Their pressure on us is growing and they have not given up on using force against Taiwan," he told reporters visiting the Wan Li army base near the island's north coast.
Taiwan is keen to boost its defenses against China, which claims the self-governing, democratic island as a rebel province and threatens to invade if it declares formal independence.
Analysts say the Taiwan Strait is one of Asia's most dangerous hot spots.
Taipei estimates China has more than 610 missiles pointed at the island, and is increasing that number by 50 to 75 every year.