Military confirms admiral questioned in espionage case

The admiral was commander of the 146th Attack Squadron in Magong, Penghu

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) yesterday confirmed that an admiral has been questioned over his alleged involvement in what could be one of the nation’s most serious espionage cases.

Ministry spokesman Major-General David Lo (羅紹和) confirmed reports that Admiral Hsu Chung-hua (徐中華) has come under investigation, but would not provide further details. Media reported that Hsu, commander of the 146th Attack Squadron based in Magong, Penghu, has been transferred from his position. Chengkung-class frigates, which are in the process of being armed with the Hsiung Feng III supersonic “carrier killer” anti-ship missile, are among the vessels comprising the 146th, which would play a primary role countering the Chinese navy in the event of hostilities in the Taiwan Strait [...]

The CMS Haijian 8002

In related developments, the China Marine Surveillance (CMS) under the State Oceanic Administration on Saturday commissioned the Haijian 8002, China’s first kiloton-class civilian surveillance ship, which will join the CMS fleet in charge of patrolling and enforcing China’s sovereignty rights in the East China Sea, which includes the Diaoyutai Islands (釣魚台) claimed by Taiwan, China and Japan.

My article, published today in the Taipei Times, continues here.