Taiwan 'tests new cruise missile'

[Forkboy]

Taiwan 'tests new cruise missile'

Taiwan has test-fired a cruise missile capable of hitting Shanghai or Hong Kong, a Taiwanese newspaper reports.

The missile was secretly tested early last month, the United Daily News quoted a military source as saying.

The news comes days after China announced a major hike in military spending and the Taiwanese president gave a strong pro-independence speech.

Tensions will not be eased by news that Taiwan's strongly pro-independence vice president plans to run for president.

Annette Lu, who has been called a "lunatic" and the "scum of the nation" by China for her outspoken views, aims to become Taiwan's first female president in next year's election.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6422593.stm