China pointing new missiles at Taiwan
Pastor Dale Morgan
China pointing new missiles at Taiwan*
by Staff Writers
Taipei (AFP) July 3, 2008
A Taiwanese newspaper on Wednesday said China was pointing new ballistic
missiles at the island despite improving ties that will see direct
charter flights begin this week.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) have built a new ballistic missile
base on China's southeastern coast opposite Taiwan and replaced missiles
already deployed with improved versions, the China Times said.
Taiwan's defence ministry declined to comment on the report.
Defence authorities had previously said that China had targeted the
island with more than 1,000 short-range ballistic and cruise missiles.
China sees Taiwan as part of its territory, despite their split in 1949
at the end of a civil war, and has threatened to use force if the island
ever moves to declare formal independence.
The paper said the PLA had once "pulled out" their Russia-made S-300
air-defence missiles from several bases along its southeast coast.
However, it said, the PLA lately has rearmed the bases with the improved
version of missiles, which place Taiwanese fighter jets within striking
range.
Ties between Taiwan and China have begun warming since China-friendly
President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May, pledging to improve relations
with the island's giant and booming neighbour.
His predecessor Chen Shui-bian had irked Beijing with his efforts
steering Taiwan towards independence.
The two sides are to launch non-stop weekend charter flights on Friday
after a nearly six-decade ban on direct transport links. Taiwan has also
agreed to allow in up to 3,000 Chinese tourists daily to help stimulate
the economy.