Offensive weapons says Taiwan after US reproof

Taipei, May 4: Taiwan rebuffed US criticism of its plan for surface-to-surface missiles capable of striking China today, insisting they were not ''offensive'' weapons.

Taiwan would use the missiles which are still being developed but were showcased during computer-simulated military exercises in mid-April only if attacked first, the Ministry of Defence and a presidential office spokesman said.

''Our country would not make provocations on its own,'' the defence ministry said in a statement. ''Only if we suffered an enemy attack would we actually strike back.'' Yesterday, the top US envoy to Taiwan said he opposed the development of any offensive weapons in China or Taiwan, and specifically referred to Taiwan's surface-to-surface missile plans.

China sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring it back under mainland rule, by force if necessary.

The US government fears destabilisation if China and Taiwan step up offensive strike capabilities.

Taiwan last month said for the first time it would fire missiles at Chinese military targets if China attacked.

The computer simulation depicted a battle in 2012, with ground-based missiles fired at airfields, missile launch sites and communication facilities in coastal China.

Reuters>