Taiwan Shows Off Military Technology

Taiwan recently exhibited its latest
military technology, including an all-
terrain armored vehicle, iPhone-
equipped missile launcher and a new
drone.

Meanwhile, the United States has
confirmed that it will continue to sell
arms to Taiwan, dismissing reports that
U.S. and Chinese defense officials may
discuss a possible change of that policy.

Taiwan's latest armored vehicle model
is relatively small and suitable for all
types of terrain, including urban
environment. It is about two-and-a-half
meters long and can accommodate six
to eight people.

Erick Yang of the Champion Auto
company that developed the new
military vehicle praises its versatility.
"You can use it in the rescue missions,
like in a typhoon, water disaster, all
these situations. And also in the
battlefield, if you need in the narrow
conditions, you will need a very good
control of the vehicles," he said.

"Also,
police can use it, so, all kind of potential
capabilities. We could have it
customized, even the armor function
can be customized."

Yang says the prototype is ballistic
proof, and the vehicle can be
customized to provide protection from
nuclear, biological and chemical
contamination.

The iPhone is becoming an essential
piece in a military kit. The phone's
camera is being used as a monitor for
night vision. Engineers say that the
phone's camera has tracking features
so when the equipment is moved the
camera does not need adjusting.
Visitors can also examine Taiwan's
latest drone equipment.

"The control of the drone is very user-
friendly," said Clark Lin, deputy general
manager of the Gangyu Corporation.
"The person who operates the drone can
easily learn how to control and
manipulate the drone. That means
anyone can easily use it in different
situations, for example search and
rescue operations, forest surveys, or
environmental protection works,
scientific research, or even crime
investigation."

Taiwan has exhibited its latest military
technology with a view of attracting
buyers. But the self-ruled island buys
much of its self-defense arms and
services from the United States.

A spokeswoman for the State
Department, Jen Psaki, said Thursday
that the sales will continue.
"Consistent with the U.S. commitment
under the Taiwan Relations Act, the
United States makes available to Taiwan
defense articles and services necessary
to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient
self-defense capability," she said.

"We
believe this long-standing policy
contributes to the maintenance of the
peace and stability across the Taiwan
Strait, but there is no change to our
one-China policy."

U.S. and Chinese defense officials met
earlier this week in Washington to
discuss creation of a joint task force to
deal with issues of mutual concern.
Chinese news media reported that the
task force would also discuss U.S. arms
sales to Taiwan. The United States has
dismissed those reports.

See photo