Taiwan stages live-fire drill on island facing mainland China as Trump heads to Beijing
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- Taiwan staged a large-scale live-fire drill on a frontline island near mainland China on Wednesday, hours before President Donald Trump was due to land in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
- According to the Taiwanese army’s Kinmen Defence Command, Wednesday’s drill was conducted in the Houhu coastal area, which sits just a few kilometres from the mainland Chinese city of Xiamen.
- Among the highlights was the first live firing of two US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles stationed in Kinmen, which the military has described as part of efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Taiwan's military conducted a significant live-fire drill on Kinmen Island, strategically located near the Chinese mainland, simulating a potential amphibious assault by the People's Liberation Army.
This exercise, which included the first live firing of US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles, underscores Taiwan's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with China.
The timing of the drill is particularly notable as it coincides with President Donald Trump's imminent visit to Beijing for discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the region. Taiwan's military officials stated that the drill was part of ongoing efforts to prepare for any potential threats from across the Taiwan Strait.
The Kinmen Defence Command emphasized that such exercises are crucial for maintaining readiness and deterrence against possible aggression. While Taiwan asserts its right to defend itself, China views such military activities as provocative, further straining cross-strait relations.
The historical context of Kinmen as a frontline island in the Taiwan Strait adds layers of complexity to the current military posturing, as both sides remain vigilant in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.