Taiwan has carried out its first live-fire HIMARS exercise toward the Taiwan Strait, marking a major step in Taipei’s efforts to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion. The U.S.-supplied Lockheed Martin rocket systems were used in drills simulating counterattacks and “shoot-and-scoot” tactics designed to evade PLA strikes. Reports also noted some misfires during the complex exercise. The tests came as pressure from Beijing continued to mount and amid reports that Donald Trump is keeping Taiwan at arm’s length ahead of a possible summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The latest moves add fresh tension to an already volatile region.

A recent drill was the first time the missiles were fired in the direction of mainland China and highlights the system’s possible significance.

A recent drill was the first time the missiles were fired in the direction of mainland China and highlights the system’s possible significance.

Taiwan has carried out its first live-fire HIMARS exercise toward the Taiwan Strait, marking a major step in Taipei’s efforts to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion. The…