Taiwan fires Javelin missiles near China as Trump plans Xi talks

Taiwan's military on Wednesday test-fired US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles during a live-fire exercise on Kinmen island — located just 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen — as the island's forces simulated defense against a potential amphibious invasion, according to Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS. The drill comes as US President Donald Trump prepares to visit China, where he said he will discuss American arms sales to Taipei with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Kinmen Defense Command described the FGM-148 Javelin as a cornerstone of asymmetric warfare capabilities, highlighting its "fire-and-forget" guidance system, precision targeting, and rapid deployment features effective at ranges up to 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), according to the exercise briefing. Training scenarios included coordinated beach defense operations, armored vehicle interdiction, and countermeasures against gray zone threats using tanks, drones, and infantry working in concert, officials said.

US arms sales discussions

"I'm going to have that discussion with President Xi," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday when asked about US support for Taiwan's defense, adding that the Chinese leader "would like us not to" proceed with military transfers. A bipartisan group of US senators has urged the administration to advance a delayed $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan that has remained stalled at the State Department for months, according to The New York Times.

Cross-strait media tensions

Separately, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council on Tuesday condemned Beijing for urging Taiwanese media outlets to "jointly expose Taiwan independence separatist activities," warning that local journalists could face prosecution if they cooperate with Chinese authorities, according to Focus Taiwan. China considers the self-governing island a breakaway province, while Taipei has maintained its independent governance since 1949.