Taiwan's opposition leader has urged the United States and China not to use Taiwan as a "pawn" in their geopolitical rivalry, as the island nation continues to navigate tensions between the two superpowers.

The statement comes as Taiwan conducted military exercises featuring "shoot-and-scoot" tactics using battle-tested rocket systems. The drills were designed to test the military's ability to rapidly deploy, fire, and relocate equipment in response to potential invasion scenarios.

The anti-invasion exercises demonstrated Taiwan's defensive capabilities as the island maintains its military readiness amid ongoing regional tensions. The "shoot-and-scoot" methodology allows forces to strike targets and quickly move to avoid counterattack, a key component of asymmetric defense strategies.

Taiwan faces increasing pressure as it remains at the center of strategic competition between Washington and Beijing. The island's leadership has consistently emphasized its desire to maintain stability while preserving its autonomy and democratic institutions.

The opposition leader's remarks reflect growing concerns among Taiwanese political figures about their country becoming caught between competing interests of major powers, as cross-strait tensions continue to influence regional security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.