Chinese Satellite Stations Concern Taiwan

The attempts by China to build satellite monitoring stations in the region has been considered a concern by Taiwan.

As reported by the Taipei Times, China had set up satellite monitoring stations in Pakistan, Kenya, Namibia and Kiribati, as stated by the Director-General of the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Mr. Donald Lee.

Mr. Lee, who was present at the recent Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, said that the South Pacific has "strategic importance for Taiwan because six countries in the area recognize Taipei, a quarter of the nation's diplomatic allies". And even though China has had to dismantle the satellite in Kiribati after the island nation established diplomatic ties with Taiwan, China's presence in the region is a cause for concern.

According to Mr. Lee, Taiwan needed to "make an all-out effort to boost relations with the region" as Taiwan would be placed in an unfavorable position if China managed to establish a naval base in the area.

Earlier this month, the second leadership summit between Taiwan and its South Pacific allies, Marshall Islands, Palau, Kiribati, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, was held in Majuro, Marshall Islands.