In a move likely to anger Beijing, Taiwan plans to test its newest missile system in the United States next month, media reports said on Monday.

Reports said Taiwan would test-fire its Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC3) missile system for the first time in New Mexico in July, which military experts said would surely infuriate China.

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The plan to test its newest US-made military weapon was in the works during the administration of former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou.

Spying

According to Taiwanese newspaper the Liberty Times, the tests will be conducted in the US in a bid to prevent China from spying on the details of the missile system drills.

Liberty Times added that tests would be conducted in New Mexico due to the lack of space in Taiwan.

Washington D.C. remains a close ally of Taiwan and its largest arms supplier, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two sides.

US$ 6.5 billion arms sale

According to the Times, the US greenlighted the missile system test-fire last year

Taiwan purchased the new missile system from the US last 2008. This was part of the $ 6.5 billion arms sale that was approved by President Barack Obama two years ago and which enraged Beijing at the time.

The missile system is capable of intercepting incoming ballistic missiles fired from enemy targets.

In the drill, Taiwan plans to fire two missiles to intercept an incoming missile fired by the US, simulating a scenario where China attacks Taipei, the Times said.

1,000 Chinese missiles

Taiwan's defense ministry claims that there are more than 1,000 Chinese missiles currently targeted at the island.

China has been vocal in its stance on Taiwan, saying it is a breakaway province of Beijing and that it will take all measures, including force, should the island reject reunification with China.

Newly-installed Taiwanese president and pro-democracy advocate Tsai Lng-wen - who won by a landslide in the recently concluded elections - has made known her pro-independence position but said she would maintain the "status quo" for now. 

TagsPAC3, Taiwan, missile tests, Washington, china