Core Points - The Taiwanese military conducted its first live-fire exercise of the "HIMARS" multiple launch rocket system at the Jiupeng base in southeastern Taiwan, involving 11 rocket vehicles and firing 33 "reduced-range practice rounds" [1][3] - The exercise faced technical issues, with two interruptions due to signal anomalies and only one vehicle successfully firing in the first round, requiring follow-up shots to complete the process [1][3] - The Taiwanese Army emphasized that these issues are part of the training process and were managed according to U.S. guidelines and shooting procedures, with U.S. Lockheed Martin technicians providing on-site support [3] Military Procurement and Deployment - The first batch of 11 "HIMARS" systems will be prioritized for deployment in western Taiwan, with plans to establish additional "multiple rocket artillery battalions" in northern, central, southern Taiwan, and the Penghu combat zone [3] - The procurement of the "HIMARS" system was proposed during the tenure of former Chief of General Staff Li Hsi-ming, aimed at "cross-regional reinforcement" rather than "preemptive strikes" [3] Political Context - The Taiwanese defense department has firmly opposed any military collusion between the U.S. and Taiwan, warning that supporting "Taiwan independence" undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait [3] - The Chinese government has urged the U.S. to adhere to the One China principle and the commitments made in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, warning against the consequences of supporting "Taiwan independence" [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Taiwanese military conducted its first live-fire test of the "HIMARS" multiple rocket system, which was purchased from the United States, but experienced signal anomalies during the exercise, leading to criticism from local netizens about the expenditure of taxpayer money [1][3]. Group 1: HIMARS System Acquisition and Testing - The Taiwanese military has procured 29 sets of the "HIMARS" system, with the first batch of 11 sets scheduled for delivery in September 2024 to the 58th Artillery Command of the Army [3]. - The live-fire test took place at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, involving 11 rocket launch vehicles that fired a total of 33 reduced-range practice rockets [3]. - The firing was conducted in four rounds, with each vehicle firing three rockets, but there were interruptions due to signal anomalies during the first and second volleys [3]. Group 2: Reactions and Implications - The Deputy Commander of the 58th Artillery Command explained that the signal issues were addressed with assistance from U.S. personnel [3]. - Local netizens expressed their discontent, referring to the event as a "fireworks show" that wasted taxpayer money [3]. - The recent acquisition and testing of the HIMARS system have drawn attention to Taiwan's military cooperation with the U.S., which has been met with strong opposition from the Chinese government [4].

Group 1 - The Taiwanese military is set to conduct the first live-fire test of the "HIMARS" multiple launch rocket system at the Jiupeng base next week [1][3] - The "HIMARS" system was transported to the Jiupeng base, which is known for its advanced military equipment and high confidentiality [3][4] - The Taiwanese military has allocated a budget of approximately NT$32.5 billion for the procurement of 29 "HIMARS" systems, along with 84 ATACMS tactical missiles and other training equipment [3][4] Group 2 - The first batch of 11 "HIMARS" systems was secretly delivered to Taiwan in October of last year, with 16 ATACMS missiles delivered in January [4] - The ATACMS missiles have a range of 300 kilometers, enhancing Taiwan's capability for "counter-strike" operations [4] - The live-fire test coincides with U.S.-Philippines joint military exercises, indicating Taiwan's intent to demonstrate its capabilities in controlling key maritime routes [5]