For more news visit ☛http://english.ntdtv.com<br /><br />In Taiwan, a public show of military might leaves a mixed message. More than a dozen missiles were test fired on a base in the south of the island, just days after China tested its new J-20 fighter jet prototype.<br /><br />Taiwan stages a major missile test off its south coast on Tuesday. The test showcases Taiwan's defense capabilities and is the first of its kind in almost a decade -- and media were invited.<br /><br />The test comes just days after China held its first test-flight of the J-20 fighter jet prototype.<br /><br />[Joseph Cheng, Professor of Politics, Hong Kong City Univ.]:<br />"The Taipei authorities understand that they have to adopt some kind of asymmetric strategy or tactics in dealing with the expanding, improving Chinese air force. So there's a lot of debate on whether Taiwan should buy, should acquire more advanced fighters or they should spend more money on better missiles."<br /><br />Six of the 19 missiles missed their targets at the Chipeng military base in the island's south.<br /><br />Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said that he was (QUOTE) "not satisfied" with the results.<br /><br />China has claimed Taiwan as its own since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949 and vowed to bring the island under its rule, by force if necessary.<br /><br />China is believed to have over 1,500 missiles pointing at Taiwan.<br /><br />Meanwhile Taiwan says it is developing missiles that can hit Mainland cities.<br /><br />The U.S. is the island's biggest ally and arms supplier.<br /><br />Beijing has loudly opposed arms sales between Taiwan and Washington.
