Asia-Pacific News
Taiwan: No arms race with China, but defence boost needed
Jul 18, 2009, 14:36 GMT
Taipei - Taiwan said Saturday that it is seeking to buy modern weapons from the United States for self-defence only, and not to start an arms race with China.
'We have changed the definition of 'winning the war' (for Taiwan's survival) from 'winning over our enemies' to 'preventing enemies' landing on Taiwan',' the Taiwanese Defence Ministry said in a statement.
'Under this guideline, we want to build a small but strong armed force to defend our country and fend off enemy invasion,' the statement continued.
The Defence Ministry issued the statement in response to a 2009 Japan Defence White Paper, released by the Japanese Defence Ministry on Friday.
The White Paper warned that 'the military balance between China and Taiwan has changed to the advantage of China,' and that China in recent years has begun to make its military capable of assuming missions other than the Taiwan issue.
Taiwan continues to seek US approval of arms sales to Taiwan of diesel submarines, military helicopters, PAC-III anti-missile systems and F-16C/D warplanes, the Taiwanese Defence Ministry said.
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LeeJul 19th, 2009 - 15:55:43
Triads will defend Taiwan.
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