According to news from Taipei, last mid-August saw the "Hsiung Feng-3" anti-cruiser missile, launched by Taiwan's armed forces, and it has successfully hit the target. Thus Taiwan has achieved its phase goal of the medium-range missile development plan. Meanwhile, the large PLA combined military exercises were being carried on at Dongshan Island, Fujian Province.
Spokesman of Taiwan's "Ministry of National Defense" said on September 3 that they will make no remark on any military exchanges and drills.
Official from Taiwan's "Ministry of National Defense" said that because Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) keeps a close watch at "Hsiung Feng-3" missile, he will not disclose details about this missile launching. He only revealed that this development and test plan, made by the Taiwan Chongshan Research Institute, has achieved a great success and made an important progress in Taiwan's plan of developing and manufacturing missiles.
Last June's report said that because of PLA's close watch, Taiwan's armed forces had put off all important military activities beside testing "Hsiung Feng-3" missile. While according to the official, the testing was ended in mid-August.
As reported, all tests for the "Hsiung Feng-3" missile have been brought to an end and the missile will be put into production in a small amount before being used by Taiwan's naval forces. In addition to "Hsiung Feng-3" missile, the Taiwan Chongshan Research Institute is also developing and upgrading other missiles as "Tien Kung" (Sky Bow) and "Tsing Feng" missiles with experiences drawn from Israel.
"Hsiung Feng-3" cruise missile is improved from "Hsiung Feng-2", a kind of attacking continental medium-range cruise missile. Its firing range can reach 500 km, with a speed doubling that of the sound. The Taiwan military claimed that the missile is sufficient to threaten water targets in Zhejiang, Fujian and eastern Guangdong provinces when it is disposed in Taiwan and Penghu Islands.
(People's Daily 09/05/2001)
