Before Taiwan war, can China stop manoeuvring missiles? HQ-9B drill tests split-second decisions |Xi

China’s HQ-9B air defence system has reportedly intercepted two ballistic missile targets during a military exercise, including one that changed course sharply in mid-flight. The drill tested the speed and precision of the People's Liberation Army Air Force’s missile defence crews, who reportedly had only seconds to respond. The HQ-9B is a key part of China’s long-range, multi-layered air defence network. The test comes amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, as Washington continues supplying advanced weapons to Taiwan, including Patriot and NASAMS systems. Could China's improving missile shield complicate America's military strategy in the Indo-Pacific?