Categories: World

Taiwan works on self-reliance—acknowledges developing cruise missile to deter China

<p>
<img height="1" src="file:///C:/Users/media/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="1" />For the first time ever, Taiwan has publicly acknowledged the existence of the medium range Yunfeng cruise missile, 'Cloud Peak', which can reach targets between 1,200-1,500 km. Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng spoke about the missile at a joint meeting of the foreign, defence and the finance committees.</p>
<p>
The medium-range surface-to-surface missile is believed to have been under development since the 1990s but there was no disclosure or acknowledgement about the programme.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4307537">According to Taiwanese media</a>, the minister said that developers are still working on the missile but did not share further details.<br />
<br />
Media reports have earlier speculated that the missile would eventually reach targets between 1,200 and 1,500 km from Taiwan–making the missle a deterrent for China. Local media had speculated last year that the missile was tested in April 2020 but the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology refused to comment on the issue.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/10/07/2003765681"><em>Taipei Times </em>quotes </a>Su Tzu-yun, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, as saying that the missile is capable of hitting strategic targets such as airports, harbors and command centers in inland China. He added that the Yun Feng missile is a key part of Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare plan to erode China’s combat capabilities.<br />
<br />
Taiwan has been witnessing increased incursions by the Chinese air force into its air defence identification zone (ADIZ) forcing the island nation to scramble its air force earlier this week. In just four days between Friday and Monday, 145 Chinese air force planes flew into Taiwan's ADIZ in blatant violation of its sovereignty.<br />
<br />
By doing so China is not just intimidating Taiwan but is also testing the waters. It is also building up pressure on the US, Japan and other allies who have sent their battleships in waters close to China in a bid to deter Beijing against a possible invasion of Taiwan.<br />
<br />
With regional tensions on the rise, Washington and Tokyo have asked Beijing to keep off Taiwan and hold peace talks to resolve issues.</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/why-did-chinese-air-force-planes-violate-taiwan-airspace-in-days-119156.html">Why did 145 Chinese air force planes violate Taiwan airspace in 4 days?</a></p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/south-korea-to-launch-indigenous-submarine-with-ballistic-missile-capability-117858.html">South Korea to launch indigenous submarine with ballistic missile capability</a></p>

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar writes on international issues and is a keen watcher of South Asia, environment, urban development and NGOs.

Recent Posts

PM Modi, Paraguayan Prez Pena hold talks on agriculture, pharma, technology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena at Hyderabad…

9 minutes ago

India issues operational guidelines for EV manufacturing scheme

The Ministry of Heavy Industries issued detailed guidelines for its electric car manufacturing scheme, first…

37 minutes ago

Finland to open new Honorary Consulate in Gujarat to boost ties in innovation, education, and sustainability

The Embassy of Finland in New Delhi has announced the opening of a new Honorary…

2 hours ago

CTA leadership engages Tibetan community in Tokyo, urges youth to uphold Tibetan cause

The leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), which includes Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong…

2 hours ago

Paraguay President begins first state visit to India with ceremonial welcome

President of Paraguay, Santiago Pena Palacios, arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit…

5 hours ago

Indian Navy vessel INS Darshak visits Ho Chi Minh City to boost hydrographic ties with Vietnam

In line with the MAHASAGAR vision of India, the Indian Navy's hydrography vessel INS Darshak…

5 hours ago