Francis Tuschek in TAIPEI — Beijing has issued its harshest warning in months, threatening “annihilation” against any Taiwanese forces that might use U.S.-supplied missile systems for preemptive strikes, following reports that Taiwan is considering deploying advanced missile launchers on outlying islands near China’s coast.
The latest remarks came after international media reports suggested that Taiwan’s defense ministry may station HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) launchers armed with U.S.-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles on strategically located islets, such as Penghu and Dongyin. These islands lie significantly closer to the Chinese mainland than Taiwan proper.
On Tuesday, Chinese military spokesperson Jiang Bin blasted the idea of such forward deployments, calling it “absurd and overconfident.” He accused “pro-independence forces” in Taiwan of escalating tensions and warned that any offensive moves against China would trigger a devastating retaliation, saying these groups “would face certain annihilation.”
Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China (ROC), is currently set to receive 82 HIMARS launch systems and 420 ATACMS missiles as part of an $11.1 billion arms package approved by Washington in December last year. The ATACMS missiles have an approximate range of 300 kilometers, making them capable of reaching coastal areas of southeastern China if deployed from offshore islands.
Security analysts in Taipei say the missile systems are primarily intended for deterrence, not aggression. The Ministry of National Defense has not confirmed deployment plans but emphasized that any decisions about weapon stationing are made based on Taiwan’s defense and security needs.
Beijing’s threats come amid ongoing military pressure around Taiwan, including joint-air and naval exercises by the People’s Liberation Army near the island late last year. Analysts see Beijing’s rhetoric as part of a broader campaign of intimidation designed to discourage Taiwan from strengthening its national defense.
Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949 after the Nationalist government relocated to the island following its defeat in the Chinese civil war. While Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and pushes for “peaceful reunification,” Taipei maintains that any future of Taiwan must be decided democratically by its 23 million residents.
