Taiwan Displays Drone Prowess Amid U.S.-China Summit Ahead
The self-ruled island showcased new drone capabilities in military drills as leaders from the U.S. and China prepare to discuss its fate.
Taiwan conducted military drills featuring missiles and drones on Friday, a display of its modernized defense capabilities ahead of a planned summit next week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The fate of the self-ruled island, which China claims as its own territory, is expected to be a key topic of discussion at the meeting.
Taiwan’s drills included joint combat exercises with multiple types of attack drones for the first time. President Lai Ching-te stated that the exercises demonstrated the Taiwanese army’s adaptation to modern warfare through the coordinated use of unmanned vehicles with conventional weapons, according to a statement from his office. The specific types of drones tested in southern Pingtung county were not disclosed.
The exercises also involved the launch of multiple anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-landing missiles.
Taiwan has increased its military spending in recent years and relies on arms purchases from the United States. U.S. law requires Washington to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
Arms sales to Taiwan have been a point of contention in U.S.-China relations. Following their last summit in May, President Trump postponed a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan, calling the sales a "very good negotiating chip" with China, which fueled uncertainty about the U.S. commitment to the island.
Taiwan's military is scheduled to continue drills next week, featuring newly acquired U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems and Stinger missile simulators, among other equipment.