China's rapid missile build-up no empty threat

[dArKeR]

REUTERS , Taipei
Thursday, Aug 12, 2004,Page 4

A rapid expansion in China's arsenal of missiles deployed against Taiwan suggests the weapons are no longer just a psychological deterrent for Taiwanese wanting independence but are actual preparations for war.

Vice President Annette Lu (???) estimated this week that by 2005 China would have pointed 800 missiles at the island, a significant increase from the present 500. Most military experts have forecast an increase to about 600 next year.

While Western military experts may disagree with Lu's figure, they say there is no doubt China is accelerating its arms build-up, convinced that President Chen Shui-bian (???) intends formally to declare statehood in a new constitution by 2008.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/08/12/2003198413

Dirty Mainland Communist Chinese Bastards!

[The Traveler]

1. I think it was Lenin who said

"When it comes time to hang the west, a capitalist will sell me the rope."

Hmmm ... maybe there are downsides to globalization???? With all the technology we've sold them, they can make lots of really nifty missiles ...

[schultzee]

2. Well Bush and co. have China as our major trading partner, and

they are even making parts of our weapons. Its hilarious. They are the real threat and that moron has wasted our army on Iraq. The moron will destroy this country.

[Jack_DeLeon]

3. Lenin certainly was right in that regards...

Perhaps the Soviet Union didnt quite grasp that concept so well, but the People's Republic of China certainly has.

[bemildred]

4. I don't think the buildup is all about Taiwan.

I expect that countering/deterring the US and other "advanced"
powers are the biggest part of it.

[Skidmore]

5. China is the world's next empire and sole superpower

and the greedy corporations and Bushistas will have helped it gain that status.