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TAIPEI : Taiwan said Tuesday that China had continued its military build-up against the island despite their warming ties, warning that the military balance had tipped in the mainland's favour.
"Despite the easing of tensions across the Strait, China has not reduced its military deployment targeting Taiwan," the defence ministry said in its annual report.
"China has continued its arms build-up to the point that it has tipped the military balance in the Taiwan Strait," the report said, referring to China's inventory of 1,500 ballistic and cruise missiles.
Ties between China and Taiwan have improved significantly since the China-friendly politician Ma Ying-jeou became the island's president last year, vowing to adopt a non-confrontational policy towards the mainland.
But despite the less-tense relationship, Taiwan continues to express concern over China's military might.
Backed up by its dynamic economic growth, China has been able to boost its military spending by double digits for 21 years in a row, according to the report.
"Its military strength has gone beyond its self-defence needs and sparked serious concerns from countries in the Asia-Pacific region," the report said.
China's military budget for 2009 came in at 480.7 billion yuan (70.4 billion US dollars), a rise of 14.9 percent from the previous year, the report said, citing official figures from Beijing.
China still regards Taiwan part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force if necessary -- although the island has governed itself since it split from the mainland in 1949 at the end of a civil war.
- AFP /ls
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