Taiwan on Tuesday carried out a missile test southeast of the island, firing beyond visual range as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities, according to local reports.
Four F-16V fighter jets took off from Hualien and Chiayi air bases, each equipped with two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. One aircraft from each base launched missiles against target drones, while the other provided backup. The test reportedly ended with successful interceptions, and all aircraft returned safely to base, the Taipei Times reported.The exercise coincided with a statement from Taipei stressing the need for self-reliance in defense.
“Taiwan has continued to enhance its self-defense capabilities and resilience, and we will keep doing so,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuangwei said.
His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him Beijing would not invade Taiwan during Trump’s time in office.
The United States remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, while China continues to regard the island as part of its territory. Taiwan has maintained self-rule since 1949.
Separately, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Japan and Taiwan have signed a memorandum on security cooperation. The agreement reportedly covers intelligence sharing related to foreigners entering Japan from Taiwan in case of an emergency evacuation of Japanese citizens, with the intent of preventing infiltration by alleged Chinese spies during a potential conflict.
Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has pledged to increase defense spending to 3 percent of the island’s GDP, estimated at $815 billion. Trump, however, had earlier suggested Taipei should raise the figure to 10 percent.
During his first presidential term, Trump authorized $18.3 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. The figure dropped to $8.4 billion under former President Joe Biden. This year, the Trump administration denied permission for Lai’s transit stop in New York en route to Central America, citing Chinese opposition.
Commenting on Trump’s recent meetings with Ukrainian and European leaders, Hsiao said Taipei was “closely monitoring” discussions related to the war in Ukraine.
“The ministry has been keeping abreast of the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and the views of the United States, Ukraine, European countries, and Russia regarding peace talks to potentially end the conflict,” Hsiao said, according to Focus Taiwan.Hsiao also confirmed that Taiwan and Japan have signed a separate agreement to enhance cooperation on information exchange and border management, though details were not disclosed.
