In a bid to bolster their defense capabilities amidst escalating Chinese military threats, the U.S. and Taiwan navies conducted joint drills in the Pacific in April. Despite the significance of the exercises, they were not officially acknowledged, according to four anonymous sources briefed on the matter.
The decision to keep the drills discreet reflects the sensitivity surrounding military cooperation between Washington and Taipei, given China’s objections to such interactions.
These clandestine drills come amid frequent Chinese military incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone and ongoing maneuvers near the island. Despite China’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan, the island maintains its democratic governance and rejects Beijing’s territorial assertions.
Sources reveal that the unpublicized drills involved multiple military assets and focused on basic maritime operations such as communications, refueling, and resupply. Both navies adhered to the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) to mitigate potential interference during the exercises.
While the Pentagon declined to comment, Taiwan’s navy affirmed its adherence to CUES guidelines, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for unexpected scenarios at sea. Despite lacking official diplomatic ties, the United States remains committed to supporting Taiwan’s defense efforts, as mandated by law.
The drills underscore the deepening collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan militaries, aimed at enhancing their readiness and interoperability in the face of shared security challenges. Despite China’s opposition to such cooperation, both sides prioritize maintaining a robust defense posture to deter potential threats.
Taiwan’s participation in high-level military events, such as the recent change-of-command ceremony for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, highlights the strengthening of defense ties between the two partners.
However, China continues to view Taiwan as a sensitive territorial issue and opposes any perceived military collusion between Taipei and Washington.
