Taiwan Policy Unchanged By Report On China Missiles / Taiwan Not Impressed By Reported Chinese Plan To Withdraw Missiles

Taiwan Policy Unchanged By Report On China Missiles / Taiwan Not Impressed By Reported Chinese Plan To Withdraw Missiles (NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI - January 5, 2009: Taiwan said Jan. 4 it would continue its arms build-up despite reports that China may cut the number of missiles it has targeting the island, in another sign of improving ties between the rivals. The Hong Kong-based weekly Yazhou Zhoukan said in its latest issue that the Chinese authorities may reduce the number of ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan although there were protests from the military. The report, which did not name its source, comes as tensions across the Taiwan Strait have been significantly eased since China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May. "It would be our pleasure to see it, if realized," Taiwan's defense ministry spokeswoman Lisa Chi said, but she declined to specify the number of missiles China has stockpiled opposite the island. Taiwan's defense ministry had previously put the figure at more than 1,300. "Even so, such a move would have a greater symbolic implication than a material significance, because it would not take long to redeploy such missiles whenever needed," Chi said. "We'll continue strengthening our arms buildup and combat preparedness." China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war in 1949 but Beijing considers the island part of its territory and is determined to get it back, by force if necessary. Chinese President Hu Jintao called Dec. 31 for the establishment of confidence building measures between the two sides in an address marking the 30th anniversary of a message from China to "compatriots in Taiwan" calling for peaceful reunification. The two sides last month launched historic direct daily flights, postal and shipping services, in a move expected to boost trade ties.