China seen developing first strike capability against Taiwan

TOKYO -- China is developing its missile arsenal to destroy Taiwan's defenses in a single strike.

A senior member of Taiwan's National Security Council said by 2010 China will have amassed enough ballistic and cruise missiles to destroy Taiwan's defenses in a single strike. These include 900 M-9 missiles as well as cruise and M-11 ballistic missiles.

At a seminar on national missile defense on Saturday, Chen Bi-jaw, an adviser of the National Security Council, said the missiles would be launched off China's eastern coast and could strike Taiwan's military communications centers and air, sea and missile bases.

Chen said the United States has agreed to sell Taiwan four Aegis guided-missile destroyers. This could provide Taiwan the capability to intercept Chinese missiles. The sale is estimated at $800 million for each destroyer.

Earlier, officials said that by 2005 China could gain air superiority over Taiwan.