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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.
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.
The test comes just days after China held its first test-flight of the J-20 fighter jet prototype.
[Joseph Cheng, Professor of Politics, Hong Kong City Univ.]:
"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."
Six of the 19 missiles missed their targets at the Chipeng military base in the island's south.
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said that he was (QUOTE) "not satisfied" with the results.
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.
China is believed to have over 1,500 missiles pointing at Taiwan.
Meanwhile Taiwan says it is developing missiles that can hit Mainland cities.
The U.S. is the island's biggest ally and arms supplier.
Beijing has loudly opposed arms sales between Taiwan and Washington.
