Taipei: China's recent military parade, intended to showcase its strength, has been met with criticism from Taiwan, with a military spokesperson suggesting it hampers efforts to create a positive image. Sun Li-fang, the head of the Ministry of National Defense's Administration Office, emphasized this sentiment during a press event. The occasion was organized to highlight Taiwan's military capabilities, particularly the upcoming display at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition.

According to Focus Taiwan, Sun responded to inquiries regarding the potential of the Chiang Kong air defense missile, a key feature of the exhibition. With its ability to reach altitudes of 70 kilometers, there were questions about its effectiveness in intercepting Chinese intercontinental ballistic missiles, which were recently showcased in Beijing's military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Sun assured that Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense thoroughly assesses the military equipment unveiled during such parades, recognizing the threats they pose. However, he clarified that Taiwan's own exhibition is not an attempt to provoke an arms race with China. He highlighted that the mere display of weaponry does not equate to effective military capability.

Further insights were provided by Lee Shih-chiang, president of the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the developer of the Chiang Kong missile. He pointed out the existence of various air defense systems, including cost-effective options designed to counter Chinese missiles and other aerial threats at different altitudes, with the Chiang Kong being just one component of Taiwan's defensive arsenal.