Taiwan suspends missile tests in wake of Kim Jong Il's death
ROC Central News Agency
2011/12/20 15:37:15
Taipei, Dec. 20 (CNA) Taiwan's military has suspended its regular missile and artillery tests in response to the death of the North Korean leader and will stay alert to the situation on the Korean peninsula, a military official said Tuesday.
"Upon learning of the death of Kim Jong Il, Taiwan's Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu called a meeting of high-ranking military officials and gave a directive on Taiwan's response," Major General Hau Yi-chih said at a Ministry of National Defense (MND) press briefing.
In an effort to help maintain security in the East Asia region, the MND has now suspended missile tests launched from Taiwan proper and also artillery tests conducted on Taiwan's outlying islands, Hau said.
"This will help avoid inappropriate speculations," he said.
The MND's overseas officials and intelligence agency will also continue to keep a close eye on the developments on the Korean peninsula and in neighboring countries, Hau said.
The navy, the air force and the army will stay on alert and will "maintain regular combat readiness," he said.
Asked about Taiwan's plans in the event of rising tensions between the two Koreas, MND spokesman Luo Shou-he declined to answer.
Meanwhile, on reports that China may conduct missile tests before Taiwan's presidential election on Jan. 14, Luo said the MND has a full grasp and understanding of the developments across the Taiwan Strait. (By Elaine Hou) ENDITEM/ pc
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