TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US Department of Defense is requesting more flexibility from Congress to use its special forces more effectively in supporting American allies, including Taiwan.
Under a new proposal, US Special Operations Command would be able to provide training and equipment to foreign partners to counter “potential future threats,” Business Insider reported.
In the case of Taiwan, which faces the threat of a Chinese invasion, enhanced training with American counterparts would increase their deterrence capabilities. Green Berets and Marine Raiders specialize in training US partners and could help Taiwanese troops turn the tide in a potential cross-strait conflict.
In February, US Army Green Beret advisors were said to be stationed at bases in Taiwan’s Kinmen and Penghu islands. They are reportedly conducting training sessions with Taiwanese special forces units.
Then-Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) confirmed reports one month later that US special forces are stationed on outer islands to provide training. Chiu described the exchanges as taking place on a "regular basis."
US military personnel were also invited to this year’s Han Kuang exercise to observe Taiwanese soldiers simulate enemy attacks. Chiu said American teams are sent to observe the exercise every year.
There would be "no increase or decrease in the number of US military personnel coming to Taiwan, but the frequency of their visits will increase," he added.