National security establishment in Taiwan regarded as “sensitive facility”

Oct 10, 2012 11:22 GMT  ·  By

The Taiwanese government is asking Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California to censor a map image of a warning radar station capable of detecting aircraft and missiles from afar.

Taiwan News is reporting that Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo released a statement this week noting that Google uses only low-resolution satellite imagery to depict sensitive facilities and, therefore, Apple should follow suit.

The satellite photo that shows up in Apple Maps is reportedly one year old.

Lo added that Taiwan’s military department should also employ means of camouflage.

Reports say that the radar station is a 10-story high establishment building with American technology. Its purpose is to monitor targets, determine their velocity and even fire missiles to intercept them, when required.

The facility is not yet operational, but it is expected to go online later this year. It is based near the Hsinchu Air Base in northern Taiwan.