Taiwan Strait: US deploying ATACMS ballistic missiles just 16 km from China; what are Donald Trump's plans?

Taipei: The clouds of war have darkened over the Taiwan Strait, one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints. Taiwan, with the help of United States President Donald Trump, has made a move that could keep China President Xi Jinping and his mandarins in Beijing awake at night. Just 10-16 kilometers from mainland China, Taiwan is deploying some of the deadliest missile systems acquired from the US, bringing major Chinese industrial cities directly into its crosshairs.

According to reports, the Taiwanese military is planning to deploy US-made M142 HIMARS rocket artillery systems on forward islands such as Dongyin and Penghu. These systems will be equipped with ATACMS ballistic missiles. Dongyin Island is located just 10 to 16 kilometers from the coast of mainland China. This means Taiwan has now acquired the capability to conduct precision strikes deep inside Chinese territory.

Has the US made a strategic move?

According to a report by Military Watch Magazine, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has decided to purchase a total of 111 HIMARS systems. This deployment is being undertaken to strengthen Taiwan's kill chain. Most surprisingly, the use of these missiles will not be entirely in Taiwan's hands. A 'Joint Firepower Coordination Center' was established in Taiwan in January 2026, where US military personnel will be permanently stationed.

This center will utilize US intelligence and digital firepower systems. This directly implies that the US will now decide which Chinese targets, such as critical infrastructure, research centers, or industrial hubs, to strike.

Meanwhile, Washington approved an $11.1 billion arms deal in December 2025, which included 420 additional ATACMS missiles. These missiles have proven their effectiveness in the Russia-Ukraine war by destroying Russian S-400 systems and aircraft, and the same formula is now being applied against China. China's Most Vulnerable Point: Dongyin Island

Dongyin Island is the northernmost part of the Matsu archipelago. It is so close to China's Fujian province that the Chinese mainland is clearly visible from there. The deployment of ATACMS missiles here would put key Chinese industrial cities and research centers, which the West has tried to cripple with economic sanctions, within striking distance. From here, Taiwan could attack Chinese naval bases and airbases in the blink of an eye.

What is Taiwan's Strategy?

The US has witnessed the successful use of ATACMS in Ukraine. There, these missiles destroyed S-400 radars and launchers, neutralized Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile launchers, and even obliterated valuable fighter jets like the MiG-31 parked on runways. Now, a similar plan for mass destruction is being devised in the Taiwan Strait to inflict heavy damage on China's military infrastructure.

How Will China Defend Itself?

China is not sitting idly by in the face of this threat. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has developed the world's most robust multi-layered anti-missile network.

HQ-29 System: Introduced in September 2025, this system is the world's only mobile system capable of intercepting even hypersonic missiles. It is considered equivalent to Russia's S-500.

HQ-19 and HQ-9: These systems are comparable to the American THAAD and Patriot missile systems, which destroy long-range missiles in mid-air. Therefore, China plans to use its precision missiles to eliminate Taiwan's launchers on the ground before an attack can even be launched.