Taiwan Holds First Joint Military Drills Using Attack Drones Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit in the US

Taiwan recently conducted military drills incorporating attack drones, marking the first time such joint exercises involving multiple types of drones have been carried out. These drills occurred ahead of the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, during which the future of the self-governing island will be discussed.

China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, a separate democracy, and has not ruled out using force to annex the territory. Beijing has urged Trump to adopt a tougher stance against Taiwan’s independence aspirations.

The U.S. and China are scheduled to meet on September 24 for the first summit since May. The Taiwanese military’s drills showcased the modernization of its forces, as President Lai Ching-te highlighted the coordinated use of unmanned vehicles alongside conventional weaponry. The statement did not specify the exact models of drones tested in the southern Pingtung county.

In addition to the drone exercises, Taiwan launched various anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-landing missiles. Taiwan has significantly bolstered its military budget in recent years, relying on arms purchases from the United States—whose commitment to Taiwan is protected by U.S. law. However, the recent postponement of a $14 billion arms deal to Taiwan by Trump has raised concerns about the U.S. dedication to the island’s defense.

Taiwan’s armed forces will continue to conduct drills next week, incorporating newly acquired U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems and Stinger missile simulators, among other equipment.