Missile misfire shows lack of trust hurts

Taiwan's main opposition Democratic Progressive Party, DPP, Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, April 15, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Taiwan's new leader Tsai Ing-wen has called for strict military discipline and a full explanation to the Chinese mainland and neighboring states, after the island's navy "accidentally" fired a missile on Friday morning that hit a Taiwan fishing boat in waters off the island, killing one and injuring three. People's Daily Overseas Edition commented on Monday:

The firing of the anti-ship missile on Friday was blamed on a failure to follow proper procedures during a test. Such an explanation is hardly convincing, because the use of such a weapon is not simply about pressing a button.

Even Tsai admitted that it was "unimaginable" that the supposedly "foolproof" system failed to work.

There have even been some suggestions that the firing of the so-called ship destroying missile was aimed at intimidating the mainland.

Even if it was an accident, it may not be the last, because the island's military seems careless when handling its weapons.

So Tsai is right to promise a detailed report to the mainland and the island's other neighbors.

The stability of the cross-Straits relations rests on both sides shoring up political mutual trust, but as the misfire shows that will almost certainly fall prey to any attempt by the island to enlarge its military might.

That said, it is Tsai's refusal to face up to the 1992 Consensus on one China that is the biggest threat to cross-Straits ties. The Taiwan leader should make that reflection.