US (Washington Insider Magazine) —A congressionally mandated commission has recommended that the Pentagon train Taiwanese forces on U.S. soil to help them operate new weapons systems they have purchased. The suggestion, presented in the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s annual report, aims to prepare Taiwan’s military for the delayed delivery of weaponry, including F-16 fighters and other advanced platforms.
Taiwan’s purchase backlog, caused by supply chain delays and lengthy security reviews, currently totals approximately $19 billion. The commission’s chair, Carolyn Bartholomew, emphasized the importance of training Taiwanese troops before the delivery of new equipment. She stressed that delays in training, similar to those seen in Ukraine, hinder the effective use of advanced weaponry.
Alex Wong, the commission’s vice chair, noted that while some training, such as for F-16 fighter jets, is already in progress, new weapons platforms will require additional training efforts. Taiwan’s $8 billion purchase of 66 F-16 fighters is a significant part of the backlog.
Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed plans to send troops to the U.S. for training, and reports suggest that two battalions of Taiwanese ground troops, potentially up to 1,200 soldiers, could travel for instruction. This move signals Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and is seen as a strategic signal to China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.
The Pentagon has not confirmed specifics but reiterated its strong support for Taiwan’s defense. China remains opposed to any actions that it views as formal recognition of Taiwan’s independence, and tensions over Taiwan’s defense capabilities continue to escalate.
