Photo / APA recent spate of Chinese military flights off southwestern Taiwan has prompted alarm from the island, which Beijing claims as its own, and is increasing tensions in a region already on edge. Though the US has no bases on Taiwan, American officials confirmed this week that special forces have been training with the Taiwan military for more than a year, including maritime operations with Marine commandos in recent weeks. US military support for Taiwan is "based on an assessment of Taiwan's defense needs and the threat posed by" China, Pentagon spokesman John Supple said. A Chinese military H-6K bomber conducting training exercises in 2017. China has increased military flights off Taiwan.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 08, 2021 22:41 UTC