Taiwan acquiring 6 mine countermeasure vessels, China opposes

From Ang Malaya (Nov 3): Taiwan acquiring 6 mine countermeasure vessels, China opposes

Taiwan is reported to be building 6 brand-new mine countermeasure vessels (MCMV) with the help of Italian shipbuilder Intermarine SpA and U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin Corp. The $1.2 billion project was won by Ching Fu Shipbuilding Co Ltd, largest shipbuilder in Taiwan.

MCMV is naval ship designed to locate and destroy naval mines combining the role of a minesweeper and minehunter vessels in one ship.

When asked to comment on the said military project, China said it is opposing any military cooperation between Taiwan and other foreign country. US is the largest political ally and defense equipment supplier of Taiwan.

“China firmly opposes foreign arms sale to Taiwan and any form of military technology exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and foreign countries. This position is clear-cut and consistent,” Chinese foreign ministry said.

“We ask relevant countries to respect China’s core interests, adhere to the one-China principle, neither sell arms to Taiwan in any form nor assist Taiwan in developing its military equipment, and take concrete actions to support the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and peaceful reunification of China.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2014/11/03/5401-taiwan-acquiring-6-mine-countermeasure-vessels-china-opposes