Taiwan Develops New Missiles to Counter China's Threat

Taiwan arms developers said Tuesday that new surface-to-air missiles would defend its airspace for "up to 20 years" as it aims to update weaponry to counter a perceived military threat from China.

Production of the Tienkung III (Sky Bow III), the most advanced model in a line of locally-developed air defense missiles, is slated to last from 2015 until 2024.

Parliament recently approved the budget for the Tw$74.8 billion ($2.5 billion) project.

"The missile is capable of intercepting short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and fighter jets," a senior official in charge of the missile project at Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the island's arms development hub, told Agence France-Presse.

"Together with US-made Patriot missiles, Tienkung III system will guard Taiwan's airspace in the next 15 to 20 years," said the official, surnamed Huang.

The institute also released a video to reporters visiting the tightly-guarded compound in northern Taiwan.

In the short film two Tienkung III missiles were fired from vertical launchers at the Chiupeng air base, soaring into the sky and destroying targets.

Huang declined to give specifications of the new missile, aimed at replacing the aging U.S.-made Hawk missiles -- but media speculated that Tienkung III has a range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles).

The project is part of the island's efforts to build an air defense shield against any Chinese attacks.

According to Taiwan's defense ministry, China has more than 1,500 ballistic and cruise missiles trained on the island.

Taiwan split from China in 1949 after a civil war, but China sees it as part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force if necessary.

Ties between China and Taiwan have improved markedly since Beijing-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008 and strengthened trade and other links, but fears of a Chinese invasion remain.