Taipei: Taiwan has successfully conducted test-firings of missiles beyond visual range, marking a significant step as the island seeks to bolster its self-reliance in security. According to local media, the tests occurred southeast of Taiwan, with four F-16V fighter jets launching AIM-120 missiles at target drones. The jets operated from the Hualien and Chiayi air bases, demonstrating Taiwan's growing military capabilities.
According to Anadolu Agency, the F-16Vs effectively engaged and destroyed their targets before returning safely to their bases. This development aligns with Taiwan's strategic emphasis on enhancing its self-defense capabilities amidst regional tensions. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hsiao Kuangwei, emphasized the island's commitment to strengthening its military resilience, underscoring the need for Taiwan to "rely on itself" for security.
The missile test comes in the context of US President Donald Trump's recent remarks, where he claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him that Beijing would refrain from invading Taiwan during his tenure. Despite Washington's status as Taiwan's primary arms supplier, China continues to view Taiwan as a 'breakaway province,' though the island has maintained self-rule since 1949.
In a separate development, Japan and Taiwan have signed a memorandum aimed at enhancing security cooperation. This agreement focuses on intelligence sharing concerning foreigners entering Japan from Taiwan, particularly in scenarios involving the emergency evacuation of Japanese citizens from Taiwan. The Tokyo-based newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported that this move aims to prevent potential Chinese infiltration into Japan during a China-Taiwan conflict.
Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has committed to increasing defense spending to 3% of the island's $815 billion GDP, a notable rise from previous levels. Former President Trump had previously suggested a 10% target, and during his first term, he authorized arms sales to Taiwan totaling $18.3 billion. However, under President Joe Biden, this figure decreased to $8.4 billion. Additionally, this year saw the Trump administration deny Lai's stopover in New York, a decision driven by China's opposition.
Furthermore, Hsiao commented on Trump's interactions with Ukrainian and European leaders, highlighting Taipei's vigilance in monitoring discussions about the Russia-Ukraine war. Taiwan's foreign ministry is actively staying informed on developments related to peace talks involving the United States, Ukraine, European nations, and Russia, as reported by Focus Taiwan news website.
The ministry also confirmed an agreement with Japan to promote information exchange and cooperation on border management, though specific details remain undisclosed.