• Forum
• SITREP
• Military
• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security

• Space

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Public Eye

MND URGED TO BUILD UP DEFENSE AGAINST BEIJING'S MILITARY SATELLITES

2004-01-01 19:13:24

    Taipei, Jan. 1 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) should build up its capabilities to cope with the threat from mainland China's military satellites, according to a research report drafted by the National Space Program Office (NSPO).

    At the request of the national defense policy panel under the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's legislative caucus, the NSPO has come up with the report on mainland China's space technology.

    The report evaluated mainland China's military satellite development plans, deployment and strength.

    According to the report, mainland China's space technology development programs are for military purposes, with a core research workforce of 200,000 people and an annual budget of NT$52 billion to NT$70 billion.

    Noting that mainland China now has three satellite launch centers in Jiouquan, Xichang and Tayuan, the report said mainland China can launch various types of military satellites. As its three existing launch centers are vulnerable to conventional and non-conventional attacks, the report said, mainland China plans to invest US$250 million to build a fourth launch center on Hainan Island.

    In addition to developing sophisticated military satellites, the report said, the orbital module left in orbit by Shenzhou 5 -- mainland China's first manned spacecraft launched last November -- has become a military surveillance satellite.

    In the face of mainland China's fast development in space technology, the report suggested that the MND establish a viable mechanism to assess mainland China's space combat capabilities.

    Space and military researchers should cooperate to analyze mainland China's space combat capabilities and develop capabilities to monitor its rocket and satellite activities, including when its surveillance satellites will pass over Taiwan's skies, the report said.

    It also urged the MND to strengthen camouflage measures at military bases. All important military installations or facilities should be concealed or disguised with paint, nets or leaves so that they look like part of their surroundings to mislead enemy analysts, the report said, adding that the military can also use false structures to evade enemy surveillance.

    Moreover, the reports said, the MND should step up research and development of electronic eavesdropping equipment and technology to intercept or interfere with mainland China's satellite communications and its command/control/intelligence system.

    The NSPO report also mentioned that Taiwan lags behind mainland China in space research in terms of budget and manpower. Taiwan spends about NT$1.6 billion on space research programs, with a workforce of about 200 people. The report furhter said Taiwan's space research programs are primarily for enhancing scientific knowledge, upgrading industrial technologies, improving people's livelihood and boosting international cooperation, rather than for military purposes.

(By Sofia Wu)

enditem/mw