From the Times Online:

Taiwan appears ready to unveil at next week’s National Day a cruise missile capable of hitting targets in China. The move is likely to raise tensions between the countries. A defence ministry informant said it was probable that the “tactical shore-based missile for fire suppression” would be displayed in Taipei next Wednesday when the island holds its first National Day military parade in 16 years.

Tension has been rising between China and Taiwan, which split amid civil war in 1949. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to attack if the democratic island takes steps to formalise its de facto independence.

Western analysts say the weapon being discussed is the Hsiung Feng IIE surface-to-surface missile, which Taiwan has reportedly tested but has not displayed or deployed. It is believed to have a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), which would enable it to strike China’s financial centre and biggest city, Shanghai. However, some analysts wonder if the missile can be fired successfully without US satellite guidance technology. (AP)

As Japan begins beef up it’s military capability in the face of American withdrawal from the far east, and reports that nationalist factions within the Chinese Communist Party are pushing for an invasion of Taiwan out of fear that U.N. recognition of the breakaway republic will undermine their rule the far east may be the flashpoint that brings the world to war.

Japan has recently signed a defense agreement with Australia, and is currently in a dispute with China over deep sea natural gas resources which has led the CCP to stage anti-Japanese riots, perhaps as preparation of the Chinese population for a war with Japan. Japan and Taiwan are both united in opposition to Chinese and their client state North Korea’s military aggression. Should things come to a head over Taiwan, Japan and Australia, along with the U.S., may be forced to act.

h/t Theo Sparks