Washington:
US particular operations forces and marines have been secretly education Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
The Journal mentioned about two-dozen US service members have educated Taiwanese ground and maritime forces “for at least a year,” amid China’s increasing verbal threats against the island ally of the United States.
The report cited unnamed officials for the report. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry declined to comment on the report.
The Pentagon did not confirm or deny it. Spokesman John Supple mentioned the US help for Taiwan’s military is gauged on its defense desires.
“Our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China,” Supple mentioned in a statement.
“We urge Beijing to honor its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences.”
The report appeared to confirm Taiwan media articles last November — which cited Taiwan’s Naval Command — that US troops had arrived there to train Taiwan marines and particular forces in tiny-boat and amphibious operations.
Those reports had been subsequently denied by US and Taiwanese officials, who emphasized the two sides are involved in bilateral military exchanges and cooperation.
The United States supplies weapons to Taiwan, such as missiles for defense and fighter jets, amid Beijing’s threat to forcibly retake manage of the island and reintegrate it with China.
The US also maintains an ambiguous commitment to defend Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.
A video released last year and featured in Taiwan media showed US troops taking element in an exercising on the island dubbed “Balance Tamper.”
Chinese forces have stepped up their activities toward Taiwan in the previous year, conducting sea assault workout routines and flying massive sorties of bombers and fighters close to Taiwan airspace.
On Monday, Taiwan scrambled its personal air force right after a record 56 Chinese warplanes crossed into its air defense zone.
US State Department Spokesman Ned Price named the Chinese activity “destabilizing” and “provocative.”
“We strongly urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan,” he mentioned, calling US commitment to the island “rock-solid”.
(This story has not been edited by TheSpuzz employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)