Taiwan analysts say China's stealth fighter threatens security

Jan 12, 2011, 8:11 GMT

Taipei - Taiwan military analysts voiced concern Wednesday about China developing a stealth aircraft, which could facilitate an attack on the island that Beijing regards as a renegade province.

'Once China's stealth fighters enter service, it will be very hard for Taiwan to detect them if they enter our airspace,' military analyst Lee Shih-ping said.

Taipei will have to upgrade its early-warning system and long-range radar with help from the US, he added.

The Defence Ministry did not comment, saying only that it was informed about the J-20's test flight.

Former defence minister Lin Chong-pin said the unveiling of the prototype at this point was a show of strength against the US.

'Western countries have underestimated China's military capability for too long. They must realize the ability and speed of China's military modernization,' the Apple Daily quoted him as saying.

Chinese President Hu Jintao confirmed the development Monday, telling visiting US Defense Secretary Robert Gates the J-20 had made a test flight.

Taiwan feels threatened by the development, as it is separated from China by the 200-kilometre Taiwan Strait, which takes Chinese warplanes only five minutes to cross.

Shih Hsiao-wei, editor-in-chief of the Defence International monthly, said China's developing the stealth fighter makes it more urgent for Taiwan to acquire advanced weapons from the US.

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