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Taipei, Feb. 6 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) declined Tuesday to make any comment on foreign wire service reports that the United States is likely to sell Aegis-class missile frigates to Taiwan to ensure peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.

The wire service reports quoted U.S. military sources as saying that if mainland China continues increasing its guided missile deployment against Taiwan, the United States will agree to sales of Aegis-class frigates to Taiwan.

Asked about the MND's views on the reports, military spokesman Huang Suey-sheng said it is the MND's established policy to refrain from explaining and commenting on any arms procurement deals.

Nevertheless, Huang said, the MND has consistently tried its best to obtain weaponry systems that can contribute to Taiwan's national security.

According to a recent Washington Times report, mainland China is deploying more and more short-range guided missiles against Taiwan. The report said the number of Taiwan-targeting mainland missiles was less than 50 in 1998, and jumped to 150 the following year. The paper estimated the current number at between 200 and 300. It also predicted that the number could hit 600 to 1,000 in the next few years.

At Tuesday's routine press conference, Huang also confirmed that military prosecution authorities are investigating whether there was any irregularity or scandal involved in the procurement of 60 French-made Mirage 2000-5 jet fighters.

Huang said military authorities began to look into the process of purchasing the Mirage warplanes in late 1999 at the instruction of then-Defense Minister Tang Fei.

"At present, the prosecutor's office of the military high court is handling the case," Huang said, adding that he is not in a position to divulge any details concerning the case in line with the principle of "keeping the investigation secret."

The Republic of China struck separate deals with France in the early 1990s for the purchase of six Lafayette-class missile frigates and 60 Mirage jet fighters as part of its efforts to modernize its military arsenal. Amid extensive reports of the Lafayette deal-related kickback scandals, the ROC legislature in 1999 demanded the MND look into whether the Mirage deal involved similar kickback scandals or any other irregularities.

Taiwan has taken delivery of all the six Lafayette-class frigates and 60 Mirage jet fighters from France. (By Sofia Wu)