Taiwan minister says close ties with U.S. Pacific Command boost defence readiness

Taiwan's defense cooperation with the United States may be closer than commonly perceived, according to Defense Minister Wellington Koo. He emphasized that deepening military exchanges with the U.S. Pacific Command is crucial for bolstering the island's defense capabilities and maintaining regional peace and security.

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Our cooperation with the United States may be far closer than many people imagine.

The U.S. remains Taiwan's most significant international backer and arms provider, a relationship that persists despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations. Koo expressed gratitude for Washington's ongoing support, noting that such exchanges help Taiwan enhance its defensive combat abilities.

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We continue to enhance our defensive combat capabilities through military exchanges and cooperation with the Pacific Command at all levels.

China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its territory, has consistently opposed any military interactions between Taipei and Washington. Beijing has intensified its military activities around Taiwan, including coast guard operations in areas vital for potential wartime supplies from allies. These actions have prompted Taipei to conduct drills simulating Chinese escalation, including the possibility of a blockade.

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In fact, a maritime blockade would pose an even greater challenge for China.

Minister Koo cautioned that a Chinese blockade would present substantial risks for Beijing. He argued that such a move would severely impact China's already challenged economy and could trigger heavy international sanctions. Furthermore, Koo suggested that President Xi Jinping would face significant domestic political risks, questioning the stability of his regime and rule under such circumstances.

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Under such circumstances, whether China's regime could remain stable and whether Xi Jinping's rule could be secured would be a very, very big challenge.