Taiwan stages military drills as Trump prepares Xi meeting

Taiwan's military conducted exercises showcasing advanced weaponry including missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, according to defense officials familiar with the operations. The timing of the drills coincides with arrangements for a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, reflecting Taiwan's efforts to maintain a credible deterrent posture.

The exercises represent part of Taiwan's broader strategy to demonstrate combat readiness and technological sophistication to potential adversaries. Taipei has invested substantially in modernizing its defense capabilities in recent years, developing domestic missile systems and acquiring advanced surveillance and attack drones.

The drills carry symbolic weight as cross-strait tensions remain elevated. Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, has faced increasing military pressure from Beijing, including regular incursions by Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels into surrounding waters.

The upcoming Trump-Xi meeting is expected to address various bilateral issues, including trade and geopolitical concerns. Taiwan's military exercises send a signal that the island intends to remain prepared regardless of diplomatic developments between Washington and Beijing.