Taiwan’s navy has mistakenly launched a supersonic anti-ship missile from its Kaohsiung naval base, say officials.

A patrol boat was undergoing a drill inspection when the Hsiung Feng III missile was set off, Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) reported.

It landed in waters off the Penghu islands, in the direction of mainland China, and did not cause any injuries.

The incident comes as China celebrates the 95th anniversary of the formation of the Chinese Communist Party.

When asked by reporters if the incident would affect relations with Beijing, Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu said the navy had reported it to the island’s defence ministry.

She said the case was under investigation and would be handled “accordingly”. It was unclear whether Beijing had been notified directly.

The missile has a range of about 300km (200 miles).

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, to be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

It has hundreds of missile pointed towards the island at all times.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who is also head of the military, is currently overseas.

Source: BBC