China simulates Taiwan attack

By Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Beijing

China's state-run media says at least 10,000 troops have massed along the south-east coast of China in preparation for large-scale military exercises aimed at practising an attack on Taiwan.

The reports say the exercise, code named 'Liberation One', is the biggest since Taiwan's pro-independence president, Chen Shui-bian, came to power a year ago.

It will include a mock invasion of a Taiwanese island and an attack on an aircraft carrier.

The troops have massed on Dongshan island, a large peninsular that sticks out into the Taiwan strait.

Biggest exercise since President Chen came to power

China is reportedly throwing much of its most sophisticated weaponry into the exercise, including navy missile destroyers and submarines newly purchased from Russia.

The message being sent is clear - China has the capability to attack Taiwan, and the ability to hit the Americans too if they are foolish enough to intervene in a conflict over Taiwan with one of their aircraft carrier battle groups.

Beijing has been deeply angered by Washington's decision six weeks ago to sell Taiwan a swathe of sophisticated new weapon systems to help it defend itself against Chinese attack.

Stategy

China was further angered last month when the US granted a visa to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.

But military analysts say they are doubtful that these military exercises are a direct response either to the weapons sales or to President Chen's visit.

More likely they are part of a long-term strategy by the Chinese to build a modern military force capable of blockading the Taiwan Strait and of challenging the might of the US Pacific fleet.