US defense firm Raytheon said Wednesday it was awarded a contract worth 1.1 billion dollars (S$1.6 billion) to upgrade Taiwan's defensive Patriot missile systems, a deal that has drawn fierce protests from China.
The contract had been in the works since 2007 when the Pentagon notified Congress it intended to allow Taiwan to upgrade the interceptor missile systems despite objections from China, which said it sends a 'wrong signal' to Taiwan.
I keep reading that Chinese-Taiwanes relations are "warming" and that the chance of war is going down (notwithstanding the continued Chinese build up of capabilities to invade Taiwan).
If cross-strait relations are improving so much, why would China object to a purely defensive measure that can only be used if Chinese aircraft or missiles head for Taiwan targets?
Don't become confused. China wants Taiwan and they'll use force to take the island if the Taiwanese won't come along quietly. That's why China is upset when Taiwan beefs up their military.
