Missile Defense for Taiwan

Re “Missile Defense Is Wrong Call on Taiwan,” Commentary, May 3: Vanessa Guest asserts that the Republic of China on Taiwan should be excluded from the “theater missile defense” for Asia because such action would “needlessly alienate China” and would “aggravate regional tensions.” Nothing could be further from the truth. The TMD is a purely defensive measure that would promote regional stability. While the Republic of China on Taiwan holds a strictly defensive strategic posture, Beijing to this day has maintained an offensive posture. Beijing has never renounced the use of force against Taiwan and currently has more than 100 missiles deployed across the Taiwan Straits. There have been missiles deployed in this manner for years before the TMD became an issue. Clearly, it is Beijing’s militant behavior that threatens the stability and prosperity of the region.

The Republic of China on Taiwan is an independent and sovereign nation and as such has the same inalienable rights regarding self-defense and survival shared by all nations. We oppose an arms race, as it is incompatible with our national interest, but must consider the actions and intentions of our more hostile neighbors.

KAO JEN-HWAN

Director, Information Division

Taipei Economic and Cultural

Office, Los Angeles