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Missiles tested that could target China

Taiwan has developed and successfully test fired surface-to-surface missiles that could hit coastal or interior Chinese cities, a newspaper reported yesterday.

The missiles, dubbed Hsiung-feng 2A and Hsiung-feng 2E, have ranges between 150km to 300km, the Liberty Times said, citing military sources. The new weapons are similar to cruise missiles, which can be programmed to seek out and hit land targets, the paper said.

"The military has conducted secret test firings of these missiles, and the result has been satisfactory," it said, adding that the military has refused to give the exact number of missiles or say whether they have been deployed.

Defense ministry officials declined to comment on the report.

The development of the missiles is a sensitive issue because Taiwan has pledged to buy and make only defensive weapons. But politicians have increasingly proposed making offensive weapons as well, noting the best deterrent to war would be the capability to launch an attack.

Taiwan has developed shorter-range missiles and purchased US-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The Liberty Times report said some of the new missiles could hit Chinese cities if they are fired from naval ships in the middle of the 160km Taiwan Strait.

In defending a massive order of US-made submarines and anti-missile systems, Premier Yu Shyi-kun said Saturday the weapons were necessary to maintain the balance of power with China.

"You fire 100 missiles at me, I fire 50 at you. You hit Taipei and Kaohsiung, I at least hit Shanghai," Yu said.

The remarks appeared to confirm long-held suspicions that Taiwan has been developing missiles that could hit China's interior.
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