China has increased the number of short-range missiles aimed at Taiwan to about 1,500, officials and experts said yesterday, a sign of continued distrust between the two sides despite a recent warming of ties.
China expanded its arsenal last year even as tensions eased after the election of President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairwoman Lai Shin-yuan (賴幸媛) said.
“In this period of warmth, a war won’t break out, but don’t forget China still has 1,500 missiles aimed at Taiwan — more than 1,500 — and that’s not right,” Lai …

China has executed a scientist accused of spying for Taiwan.
Wo Weihan’s family had appealed for clemency, saying that the scientist was tortured into admitting that he was a spy. He was sentenced last year.
The 59-year-old man, who ran his own medical research company in Beijing, was arrested in early 2005.
Among other things, he was convicted of passing Chinese military secrets to Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province.

TAIPEI (AFP) — Taiwan pro-independence activists early Thursday scuffled with police outside a hotel in Taipei where visiting Chinese envoy Chen Yunlin was enjoying a banquet in his honour, trapping him inside.
About 2,000 protesters venting their anger at Chen’s visit to the island had gathered outside the hotel since late Wednesday as the banquet was being held, with about the same number of police attempting to restore order.