TMD REFERS TO TAIWAN MISSILE DEFENSE: MINISTER
Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) Defense Minister Tang Fei said on Monday the Republic of China will establish its own missile defense shield which can be referred to as the "Taiwan Missile Defense (TMD)."
Tang said in an exclusive interview with CNA that TMD is usually known as the US-initiated theater missile defense system.
"Nevertheless, TMD can also refer to Taiwan Missile Defense to be developed by our own armed forces," the minister said.
Tang's remarks were seen as an effort to clarify speculation on Taiwan's intention to join the US-initiated theater missile defense project.
In fact, Tang said when he pointed out in a report to the ruling Kuomintang's Central Standing Committee last week that installing an anti-missile system is vital to Taiwan's security, he was referring to the need to establish a "Taiwan Missile Defense" system.
Under Taiwan's own missile defense program, Tang said the top priority in the initial stage is to build up a low-altitude safety dragnet capable of intercepting middle-range guided missiles, cruise missiles and traditional airborne attacks from mainland China.
Noting that the US-initiated TMD is basically a high-altitude missile defense system, Tang said it's too early for Taiwan to decide whether to join such a program.
For one thing, Tang said, the United States has not invited Taiwan to take part in its TMD project. Furthermore, he said, the highly sophisticated US-proposed system is still in the development stage. "We'll evaluate whether to join the project based on future developments," he noted.
Tang went on to say even if the United States invites the ROC to join its TMD system, the military will still study whether Taiwan needs to do so and whether the majority of local people support such a move before making a final decision.
For building up a low-altitude missile defense system, Tang said, Taiwan will purchase foreign-developed equipment in addition to developing needed systems on its own. The military-run Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology is in charge of research and development of new weaponry systems and defense technology.
As part of the low-altitude missile defense development program, Tang said the ROC will install an early warning radar system and purchase the US-built Patriot III anti-missile system.
Tang said the Ministry of National Defense plans to complete establishment of a comprehensive low-altitude missile defense system in 10 years at a cost ranging between NT$250 billion and NT$300 million, adding that the ministry will set aside NT$30 billion in its annual budget for the critical project.
Stressing Taiwan's urgent needs for missile defense infrastructure and a low-altitude missile defense system, Tang said such facilities can not only help defend Taiwan against middle-range guided missiles and traditional airborne attacks but also against cruise missiles.
In the past, Tang said, Taiwan people most worry about threats from mainland China's tactical missiles and ballistic missiles. "In fact, it is more worrisome that mainland China is focusing on developing cruise missiles," Tang said, adding that cruise missiles pose even greater threats to Taiwan's security.
Nevertheless, Tang said mainland China's cruise missiles still fall below world standards in terms of speed and accuracy. In the face of the situation, Tang said the ROC military has also stepped up efforts to work out countermeasures to cope with mainland China's cruise missiles. (By Sofia Wu)
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