Taiwan has officially confirmed the presence of US troops stationed on its islands in the Taiwan Strait permanently, a development that could further escalate tensions with China.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in 2023 facilitated the deployment of these troops to conduct training programs for Taiwanese frontline forces.
The move comes as China continues to assert its disputed claim over Taiwan, viewing it as a renegade province despite never having ruled it. The heightened military activities by China in and around the Taiwan Strait have prompted Taiwan to bolster its defence capabilities.
In response to queries about the presence of the US Army Green Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, Taiwanese Defense Chief Chiu Kuo-cheng said: “No matter the situation, there may be blind spots or shortcomings. So we need to communicate with our allies – whether it is a team, a group or a country.
“We can learn from each other to see what strengths we have. This is a fixed thing.”
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Both the US Army and Chinese Foreign Ministry have yet to comment on these developments.
The presence of US troops in Taiwan marks a significant development in the region’s geopolitical landscape. The U.S. officially withdrew its military presence from Taiwan in 1979 following the normalization of U.S.-China relations.
However, under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the US remains committed to providing Taiwan with defensive weaponry and ensuring its security against coercion or aggression.
While Taiwan has refrained from commenting on specific reports, it has reiterated that all foreign military exchanges adhere to an annual plan.
