Taiwan auto parts maker denies report of bomb development aid to Russia

Taipei, Jan. 6 (CNA) Taiwan Rung Cherng Suspenparts Co. said Monday that a report published by the online military magazine Defence Blog, which alleges the company has provided assistance to Russia in developing guided bombs, is completely unfounded.

Speaking with CNA, Rung Cherng vice president Chen Shu-mei (陳淑鎂) said the company was caught off guard by the allegations in the report that it has provided critical parts to enhance Russia's bomb manufacturing capability.

Defense Blog cited Ukrainian activist Vadym Labas, who said a Taiwanese company, TRC, "has been modifying and producing servomechanisms for Russia's deadly guided bombs, a UMPK system that converts unguided aerial bombs into guided munitions."

According to the report dated Saturday, Labas said TRC made at least five modifications to the product design at the request of Russia's defense industry, and these changes are still ongoing.

Other news media, meanwhile, said a Taiwanese firm supplying traction control systems (TRC) has sold products used in developing military bombs by Russia.

Based on the reports, some foreign media and social media users have pointed the finger at Rung Cherng as the company markets itself as TRC on its official website.

Rung Cherng has never produced TRC, Chen said, adding that the reference was a misunderstanding. Chen explained that TRC is just the abbreviation of the company's English name on its official website not one of the products it produces.

Chen said the major products produced by Rung Cherng include suspension systems and chassis parts, not TRC. She criticized the reports for using false information claiming the company is providing assistance to Russia in bomb manufacturing.

In fact, Rung Cherng has received about five emails from Ukraine since December, accusing the company of selling products to Russia for bomb production, though the accusations did not affect its orders, Chen said.

However, these recent media reports have tarnished Rung Cherng's reputation, Chen told CNA, reiterating the allegations are baseless.

Rung Cherng is "an industrious Taiwanese company that always abides by international law and meets government requirements," so the company does not rule out the possibility of taking legal action to protect its reputation and interests, Chen said.