 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
Taipei (AFP) April 25, 2011 Taiwan's spy chief on Monday said China could bring its first aircraft carrier into service before the end of the year, kindling fears in Taipei over Beijing's continued naval build-up. Tsai Teh-sheng, head of the island's National Security Bureau, said the "Varyag" a half-completed Soviet era aircraft carrier Beijing obtained from Ukraine in 1998, is expected to make its maiden voyage before the end of 2011. The warship has been docked in China's eastern Dalian harbour where it has undergone extensive refurbishing work since 2002. "Varyag has restored its sailing capability, and is expected to start providing training missions before the end of 2011," Tsai said in response to a parliamentary question by Lin Yu-fang of the ruling Kuomintang party. Tsai said the warship will have "certain combat capability" and will serve as a base for an unknown number of China's home-grown fighter jets which are modelled on Russian-made Su-33s. Taiwan's defence ministry has expressed alarm at China's naval buildup although experts say it may still take time for the People's Liberation Army to operate its first carrier group complete with fighter jets. "The Chinese communists' acquisition of their first aircraft carrier will threaten not only Taiwan but the stability of Asia," Taiwan's defence ministry spokesman David Lo told AFP. Taiwan plans to build a new 'stealth' warship armed with guided-missiles next year in response to China's naval build-up, military officers have said. An aircraft carrier group would potentially double the military threat posed to Taiwan by China by allowing the Chinese to approach from directions other than across the Strait, experts warn. Ties between China and Taiwan have improved significantly since the China-friendly politician Ma Ying-jeou became the island's president, vowing to adopt a non-confrontational policy towards the mainland. But China still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting to be reunified by force if necessary, although the island has governed itself since 1949 when a civil war ended.
Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Naval Warfare in the 21st Century
Aegis Combat Systems Installed on Two New U.S. Navy DestroyersMoorestown NJ (SPX) Apr 25, 2011 The U.S. Navy, supported by Lockheed Martin has installed the Aegis Combat System aboard two new Navy destroyers, USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109). The Aegis Combat Systems aboard the ships have also been certified as fully operational through the tests known as Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials. During the trials, the ships' Aegis Combat Systems were evaluated f ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2010 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook
