TangHuaTaiwan’s navy chief is reportedly expected to visit the United States next week to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation. The sources reveal that this comes as China’s threats towards Taiwan continue to intensify.
What happened: Tang is expected to attend a military ceremony and initiate dialogues to strengthen naval relations between Taiwan and the United States, Reuters reported on Friday. This visit is particularly significant given China’s growing threats towards Taiwan.
According to two sources, Tang’s visit is part of a US initiative, the Joint Island Defense Concept, which seeks to work with Taiwan, Japan and other nations to counter Chinese military forces.
Despite a strong bond, the United States and Taiwan maintain unofficial ties due to Washington’s formal recognition of China, not Taiwan. Taiwan, however, disputes China’s territorial claims.
Tang’s itinerary includes a visit to Hawaii, headquarters of the US Indo-Pacific Command, to participate in a Pacific Fleet change of command ceremony. He is also scheduled to attend the Sea-Air-Space conference near Washington April 8-10. Plans are underway to arrange a meeting with the Chief of Naval Operations of the United States, Adm. Lisa Franchetti.
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Because matter: The United States and Taiwan have had no official diplomatic or military relations since 1979, when the United States transferred recognition to Beijing. However, the United States is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. In light of China’s growing military pressure, Taiwan and the United States have quietly expanded their military cooperation since 2016.
This visit follows a recent statement from Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressing confidence in the United States’ continued support, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. Furthermore, recent testimony from a senior US military official highlighted China’s significant military buildup, which could pose a serious threat to Taiwan and regional stability.
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