Taiwan Considers Participation in TMD

A Hong Kong daily newspaper reported that Taiwan is actively considering its participation in the joint Theater Missile Defense system by the U.S. and Japan, despite the strong opposition of China and Russia.

The spokesperson of the Taiwanese Defense revealed on July 17 that ``the most urgent threat to Taiwan is the Chinese missiles deployed in the Pujen Island area. When the U.S. officially asks the Taiwanese intention to participate in the TMD, the Taiwan`s Military will make a proper decision based on the public support.``

Spokesperson Huang said, ``Taiwan and the U.S. are trying to improve the military power by the close cooperation and the military exchange with neighbors. The introduction of the military equipment is the first stage of the military cooperation of the two countries. Taiwan will cooperate with the U.S. such as the joint military drills. The Taiwan government has denied or refused to comment on the military exchange with the U.S. However, Taiwan has admitted its military cooperation with the U.S. in the Taiwan President Chen Shuibian`s remark last week that ``the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan need to cooperate to respond against the Chinese missile threats.``

Lee Jong-Hwan ljhzip@donga.com