Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Taiwan Flexing Missile Muscle

Govt. officials confirm plans for long-range cruise missile capable of hitting China

By Asta Hostetter,  Newser User

Posted Sep 30, 2007 11:29 AM CDT

(Newser) – As China quietly stockpiles weapons aimed at Taiwan, the renegade island confirms it is developing its own cruise missiles capable of hitting the mainland, including Shanghai and many military bases. The controversial weapon, intended to "make China hesitate before launching any attack," is more likely to ramp up the arms race between the countries, reports the NY Times.

While the Bush administration has discouraged Taiwan from developing weapons, it becomes a tricky balance as China amasses weapons aimed at the island. Relations between China and Taiwan have gone from bad to ballistic recently due to the latter's referendum to rejoin the UN. And China responded tersely to the missile announcement yesterday: “Whoever plays with fire will get burned.” 

The Taiwan-made Tien Kung II, surface to air missile, is displayed during the first day of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, in Taipei, Taiwan. The three day show will display Taiwan's military equipment along with aerospace and military equipment from international companies. (AP Photo/Wally...
The Taiwan-made Tien Kung II, surface to air missile, is displayed during the first day of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, in Taipei, Taiwan. The three...   (Associated Press)
A missile is fired to detonate landmines for their clearance...
A missile is fired to detonate landmines for their clearance...   (Getty Images)
Taiwan navy launches a hsiungfeng missile during the Han Kuang...
Taiwan navy launches a hsiungfeng missile during the Han Kuang...   (Getty Images (by Event))
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

New Taiwanese Missiles Could Reach China

China-Taiwan Talks a Landmark

Gates Orders Full Nuclear Inventory

China Furious Over US/Taiwan Nuke Mixup

China's Military Boost Angers US


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne