TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) on Thursday (Aug. 27) released photos of security cooperation activities between Taiwan and the U.S., including the first-ever visit by uniformed Taiwanese soldiers to its Taipei office earlier this month.

Given the rising tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan has upgraded military ties with the Western superpower in recent months. Following a meeting between AIT Security Cooperation Office Chief Brady Crosier and Taiwanese Army Commander General Chen Pao-yu (陳寶餘) in early August, AIT invited Taiwanese service members to participate in a virtual meeting with the U.S. Army's 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at its main office in Neihu District.

Since AIT is considered U.S. territory, allowing in uniformed Taiwanese soldiers has been hailed as a major political breakthrough for both countries. Meanwhile, in another picture shared by AIT, members of Taiwan's Air Force can be seen posing along with American avionics technicians in front of Patriot missiles at the 2020 Han Kuang Live Fire Exercise.

A Taiwanese military officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the visit to AIT on Friday (Aug. 28). He said aviation brigades from both countries use the same type of helicopters and that they cooperated closely prior to the virtual conference, Liberty Times reported .

Taiwanese military in virtual conference with U.S. Army's 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. (Facebook, AIT photo)

AIT shows support for Taiwan's air defense capabilities at 2020 Han Kuang Live Fire Exercise. (Facebook, AIT photo)