Taiwan's First Live-Fire Drills with US Weapons: A Show of Force Against China

Taiwan's First Live-Fire Drills with US Weapons Highlight Defense Strategy Against China Taipei, Taiwan – In a significant development, Taiwan recently conducted its first-ever live-fire military drills using American-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and drones. The exercises, observed by NBC News correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer, demonstrate Taiwan's growing military capabilities and its commitment to defending itself against potential aggression from China. The drills showcased the precision and mobility of the HIMARS systems, which have a range of 185 miles—a distance that extends far beyond China's southeastern coast. "For this drill, they fired the other way, toward the Pacific Ocean," reported Frayer, highlighting the strategic implications of Taiwan's new weaponry. A Taiwanese officer interviewed at the scene stated that the live-fire exercise was "a good exercise in combat readiness." The US has long been hesitant to provide Taiwan with offensive weapons, but the HIMARS deal, approved during President Trump's first term, marks a significant shift in US policy. The drills also underscore Taiwan's adoption of asymmetric warfare strategies, inspired by Ukraine's experience in its conflict with Russia. This approach emphasizes the use of mobile, precise weaponry to offset China's numerical superiority. The video footage of the drills, coupled with the on-the-ground reporting and expert commentary, provides a compelling account of Taiwan's evolving defense posture. The increased military cooperation between the US and Taiwan sends a strong message of deterrence to China.