Taiwan, US Deploys Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles Near China's Coast

Only 40 km from Mainland China... Strong Chinese Backlash Expected
Enhancing Taiwan's Long-Range Precision Strike Capability with Attack and Reconnaissance Drone Introduction

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Taiwan is deploying US-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles on islands around Taiwan. By forward-deploying missiles just 40 km away from mainland China, it is expected that China will strongly oppose this move.

According to a report on the 28th by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense think tank, the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), Taiwan is deploying US-purchased Harpoon anti-ship missiles at various locations around Taiwan.

AGM-84 Harpoon missile image (Photo by Wikileaks)

The report explained that if the Harpoon anti-ship missile systems are additionally established in the Matsu and Penghu regions, they can effectively strike Chinese naval vessels stationed along the Chinese coast in case of emergency. China's aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong are expected to be the main targets.

INDSR researcher Su Ziyun stated that the advanced weapons sold by the US to Taiwan include 25 radar vehicles capable of effectively identifying targets, and if the US additionally supplies the attack and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) 'MQ-9 Reaper' as planned, Taiwan's long-range precision strike capabilities will be strengthened.

Another military expert emphasized the significance of this missile sale by the US, noting that Taiwan has become the second East Asian country after South Korea to possess Harpoon missiles launched from land, sea, air, and submarines.

Meanwhile, Chinese media revealed recent maneuver training of the Shandong aircraft carrier, which was built using China's own technology. Commissioned at the end of last year, the Shandong has been conducting weapons and equipment performance training near the Yellow Sea and Taiwan Strait.

The Global Times reported that the Shandong will complete all combat readiness by the end of this year.

The Shandong, stationed at the naval base in Sanya, Hainan Province in southern China, is known to be deployed to the Taiwan and South China Sea areas in case of emergency.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense warned the US and Taiwan, stating, "The Chinese military has sufficient will and capability to crush any external interference and attempts by 'Taiwan independence' forces to divide," and added, "We will take necessary measures to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity and continue to advance the process of national reunification."