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Defense ministry echoes NSB over security issues

China sent eight warships to Hong Kong to display its naval might, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said Tuesday.

Major General Huang Suey-sheng (黃穗生) made the remarks in response to reports that China wants to show its might prior to President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) inauguration on May 20 and that the eight warships will also navigate the Taiwan Strait on that day to display its firepower.

Huang said that the ships visited Hong Kong at the invitation of the territory's government, and that the visit by some 1,500 officers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the PLA's navy.

The visit was mainly for domestic and foreign publicity and to display China's naval might, Huang said, adding that the ministry has kept abreast of every Chinese military movement.

On whether Chinese warships will pass through the Taiwan Strait after ending their Hong Kong port call, Huang only said that the ministry will monitor the situation.

Huang reaffirmed that the ministry is aware of the possible scenarios that Beijing could use to use military force against Taiwan and is ready for them all.

On reports that US Navy ships will be off southeast Taiwan on the eve of the inauguration to ensure stability in the Taiwan Strait, Huang said that it is not appropriate for him to comment on US military movements.
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