MND says PRC gaining military edge

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on March 21, 2006. It reports that according to the Ministry of National Defense, China is gaining an edge over Taiwan as it has laid an "advantageous" foundation for invading the island. This advantage may be analyzed from three perspectives - China's intentions, military capability, and weapon preparedness.

China has never renounced its intention to use military force against Taiwan. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the greatest threat China poses to Taiwan is a possible "blitzkrieg attack", which involves tactical and cruise missiles targeted at Taiwan's political, economic and military installations. So far, China has deployed more than 800 tactical and cruise missiles targeting Taiwan. It is developing more than 10 guided missiles and two surface-to-air cruise missiles.

Another threat to Taiwan is China's submarine fleet that could blockade sea traffic to and from the island. In recent years, the Ministry of National Defense has been planning to purchase P-3C anti-submarine aircraft that can remain serviceable for up to 15 years. The long-range, fixed-wing P-3C antisubmarine aircraft belongs to the P-3 family that is still in active service in the United States.