Taiwan has publicly acknowledged for the first time that its military co-operation with the United States extends far beyond arms sales, revealing that previously undisclosed joint exercises have been taking place. The disclosure is likely to heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait as Beijing continues to condemn closer defence ties between Taipei and Washington.
Hidden military exercises come into the open
Taiwan’s leadership has openly confirmed the existence of extensive military cooperation with the United States, including joint exercises that had long remained out of public view. The disclosure was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Wellington Koo.
According to the minister, the defence relationship between Taipei and Washington is far broader than most observers realise.
“Military co-operation between Taiwan and the United States is much closer than you can imagine,” he said.
Beyond arms sales
Koo argued that the public sees only one aspect of the relationship — US weapons sales — while the broader defence partnership encompasses a wide range of activities.
He said military exchanges with the United States had provided Taiwan’s armed forces with valuable practical combat experience and operational expertise.
“Through military exchanges, we have gained substantial practical combat experience from the United States,” the minister said.
Washington declines to comment
According to The Wall Street Journal, Koo’s remarks reflect a growing willingness by Taiwan’s authorities to acknowledge joint military activities with the United States that had previously remained undisclosed.
Neither the Pentagon nor the US Indo-Pacific Command commented on the report.
Beijing reiterates its objections
China has repeatedly urged Washington to halt arms sales to Taiwan, arguing that such actions increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing’s Foreign Ministry maintains that US military cooperation with Taiwan and continued arms transfers violate the One China principle and the three joint Sino-US communiqués. Chinese officials argue that the policy seriously undermines China’s sovereignty, security and core national interests.
