Taiwan Launches Long-Range Missile Test
(MENAFN) Taiwan has successfully conducted a long-range missile test southeast of the island, signaling a push toward heightened self-defense amid rising regional tensions, local media reported Tuesday.
According to media, four F-16V fighter jets launched from Hualien and Chiayi air bases, each equipped with a pair of AIM-120 missiles. One aircraft from each base executed a live-fire mission targeting drones, while accompanying jets provided support. The test concluded with all missiles striking their targets and jets returning safely to Hualien.
The live-fire drill comes as Taipei underscores the urgency of military self-reliance. "Taiwan has continued to enhance its self-defense capabilities and resilience, and we will keep doing so," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuangwei on Tuesday.
This reaffirmation of self-defense followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping told him China would not move militarily against Taiwan during Trump’s presidency.
While Washington remains the primary arms supplier to the island, Beijing maintains its longstanding stance that Taiwan is a “breakaway province.” Taiwan, however, has operated as a self-governing entity since 1949.
In a separate development, a Tokyo-based newspaper reported Tuesday that Japan and Taiwan had signed a memorandum aimed at enhancing security cooperation. The agreement focuses on intelligence sharing concerning the movement of foreign nationals from Taiwan into Japan, particularly during potential emergency evacuations of Japanese citizens amid a conflict scenario. The measure is reportedly intended to prevent infiltration by alleged Chinese operatives.
Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te has committed to boosting defense spending to 3% of the island’s $815 billion GDP—a move aligning with national security priorities. By contrast, Trump previously urged Taipei to raise that figure to 10%.
During his first term, Trump authorized $18.3 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, compared to $8.4 billion approved during the tenure of former President Joe Biden.
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