Taiwan gained critical information about Beijing's ballistic missile launch this week thanks to a long-range early-warning radar system and intelligence sharing with Washington, according to a report. The AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar detected the missile soon after it was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South China Sea. The Liberty Times reported the finding, quoting a senior Taiwanese official.
The system tracked the missile's trajectory during its initial phase, providing data that was likely shared with the United States. This highlights the deep, though often unacknowledged, intelligence cooperation between Taipei and Washington. The incident underscores the real-time surveillance capabilities Taiwan maintains over Chinese military activities in the region.
Beijing has not confirmed the launch, and details about the missile type remain unverified. The Liberty Times cited the unnamed official but did not provide additional specifics about the weapon or the exact time of the detection. The report relies on a single anonymous source, limiting its immediate verifiability.
The detection demonstrates Taiwan's ability to monitor strategic Chinese military moves, potentially serving as a deterrent signal. However, it could also escalate tensions across the strait, as Beijing views such surveillance as provocative. Analysts may debate the strategic implications of a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the South China Sea.
The report did not include any reaction from the Chinese government or the U.S. military. Without independent confirmation, the claim should be treated with caution.