Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) spoke out yesterday on the military ambitions underlying China's space technology development, saying the technological achievements of the communist regime pose a major threat to freedom and democracy.
Lu made the remarks while addressing a teleconference between National Chunghsing University and the US' Space Center in Houston.
According to Lu, although China claims the launch of its Shenzhou 6 spacecraft last month was for peaceful purposes, Beijing believes that whoever dominates space will secure supremacy on earth and the initiative to start a war.
Lu said that the launch of Shenzhou 6 indicates China's ability to integrate rocket technology and control and communications systems, making China another space giant after the US and Russia.
She said that China's technology-based military abilities have laid the foundation for the formation of a "space force" in addition to the existing land, sea and air forces.
In contrast, she noted, the FORMOSAT-1, 2 and 3 satellites launched by Taiwan are meant for scientific research relating to the atmosphere, land and oceans, which she said is a mission aimed at enhancing the well-being of mankind and improving the natural environment.
This highlights Taiwan's nature as a peace-loving country and its striking differences from China, she said.
The vice president said she believes that ethnic Chinese, who have made their presence felt in the field of space technology, will be able to enjoy an important status in the field with continuing efforts.
The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Leroy Chiao (
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