Minister of National Defense warns of growing number of Chinese missiles

The number of Chinese ballistic missiles targeting Taiwan is expected to reach at least 800 next year, Minister of National Defense Lee Jye (李傑) said yesterday.

The People's Liberation Army currently has 700 ballistic missiles deployed opposite Taiwan, Lee said in his first report to the new session of the legislature.

"The number is estimated to increase to 800 next year," Lee warned in a call for support of a new NT$480 billion (US$15.24 billion) arms package aimed at deterring China.

His report came one day after Taipei lodged what one senior Taiwanese official called "the strongest protest" against "threats resorting to violent means" by China.

Beijing last Friday that it would boost military spending 12.6 percent this year to 247.7 billion yuan (US$29.9 billion).

Taiwan's arms budget calls for the purchase of six US-made Pac-3 anti-missile systems, eight conventional submarines and a fleet of submarine-hunting P-3C aircraft from the US over 15 years beginning this year.

Taiwan already put into service three US-made PAC-2 anti-missile systems to protect the greater Taipei area.

The defense ministry and Chen have said China would increase the deployment of missiles targeting Taiwan at a speed of 75 per year.

Lee land-based cruise missiles being developed by China could also be used "to launch a long-distance strike blitz on Taiwan."

Military say Taiwan's military commands, communications, airports and sea ports would be vulnerable to surprise Chinese missile attacks.

Should break out, China's elite combat troops and marines could attack Taiwan's airports and harbors while its "Fifth Column," or agents, could strike from within, Lee said.