London, Oct.22 : Taiwan is developing a bomb designed to wipe out China's electrical system, according to the United Daily News.

The newspaper claims that Taiwan, which is still dubbed a "renegade province" by China, is working on a graphite bomb similar to one the U.S. reportedly used against Serbia in 1999.

The so-called "blackout bombs" would be carried by Hsiungfeng 2E cruise missiles to paralyze power systems of China's southeastern coastal cities, the United Daily News said.

The bombs work by sprinkling a cloud of chemically treated carbon fibers over power supplies, causing them to short-circuit, but without killing people.

If approved by parliament, the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, Taiwan's top arms research unit, would begin research and development of the weaponry at a cost of up to 5.34 million dollars, beginning next year, according to the report.

Taiwan's defense ministry declined to comment on the claims. (ANI)