The nation's top political warfare officer yesterday said that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) would have no chance if it tried to invade and attack Taipei using the Tamsui River.
"I cannot tell you how many soldiers we have to protect the capital. But I can assure you that it will be more difficult than an insect flying through a screen door if the Chinese army is really planning to attack us using the Tamsui River," Political Warfare Department Director-General Hu Chen-pu (
Hu held a press conference at the headquarters of the army's Sixth Division, which is in charge of protecting the capital. His remarks were in reference to the Ministry of National Defense's computer simulation on Monday, in which the PLA launched 12 ballistic missiles in an attack on Taipei, with the Presidential Office as the priority target, in 2014.
The three-star general promised the public that the PLA would not stand a chance if this is the plan they are thinking. But he also emphasized the importance of purchasing the PAC-3 missile batteries, which is an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system.
"If they [the PLA] really launches a missile attack, we will have many different ways to react, take the missiles down, and fight back. The PAC-3s will not be the only thing we can take advantage of," Hu said. "But, the system would be the only missile which has the ability to strike another missile."
According to Hu, the PLA did not have begin any unusual movements or deployments after the "Anti-Secession" Law was enacted.
But he also said that the law is a constant threat, reminding us that China has not shown its friendly face yet.
"We shall establish our trust in each other gradually through peace talks. However, currently, we still need to purchase more state-of-the-art weapons to protect ourselves," he said.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) is to launch a new program to encourage international students to stay in Taiwan and explore job opportunities here after graduation, Deputy Minister of Education Yeh Ping-cheng (葉丙成) said on Friday. The government would provide full scholarships for international students to further their studies for two years in Taiwan, so those who want to pursue a master’s degree can consider applying for the program, he said. The fields included are science, technology, engineering, mathematics, semiconductors and finance, Yeh added. The program, called “Intense 2+2,” would also assist international students who completed the two years of further studies in
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