Taiwan conducted military exercises on Friday that included missile launches and drone operations, in anticipation of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month. The upcoming summit, scheduled for September 24, will address the status of Taiwan, an island that is self-governing but claimed by China as a breakaway province. China has not ruled out using force to reunify the island with the mainland and has urged Trump to take a firmer stance against Taiwan's independence. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since May. The military drills marked a new phase in Taiwan's defense strategy, with the first-ever joint exercises involving multiple types of attack drones. President Lai Ching-te emphasized that the drills showcased the modernization of Taiwan's military, stating that the use of drones alongside traditional weapons reflects the evolution of modern warfare. The exercises took place in Pingtung county in the south, though the specific models of drones tested were not disclosed. In addition to the drones, the military conducted tests with anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-landing missiles, highlighting the range of capabilities being developed. Taiwan has been increasing its military budget in recent years, relying heavily on arms purchases from the United States. U.S. law requires the government to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons, a policy that has been a key topic in discussions between Trump and Xi. Following their meeting in May, Trump delayed a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, raising concerns about the U.S. commitment to the island's defense. Trump has described the arms sales as a valuable bargaining tool in negotiations with China. As the summit approaches, Taiwan's military plans to continue its drills, incorporating newly acquired U.S.-made weapons such as HIMARS rocket systems and Stinger missile simulators. These exercises are seen as both a demonstration of military readiness and a signal of Taiwan's determination to maintain its autonomy. The situation remains tense, with the outcome of the U.S.-China summit likely to influence future military and diplomatic developments in the region.