Taiwan Navy and US Navy conduct covert Pacific exercises testing China's limits.

According to information published by CNA on May 14, 2024, the navies of the United States and Taiwan conducted joint drills in the Pacific in April, though officially they did not occur.
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and the Chinese Type 052D destroyer Suzhou. (Picture source: Dvids)

Over recent years, Washington and Taipei have strengthened their military ties due to frequent Chinese incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone and nearby military exercises by Chinese forces. U.S.-Taiwan military engagements, including visits and training exercises, are often discreet and unconfirmed publicly due to China's objections to such interactions. Sources indicate that these undisclosed drills took place in the Western Pacific.

US-Taiwan relations

In early May 2024, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense renewed a significant contract with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for the Maritime Operations Support Center. This contract, valued at NT$518.2 million (approximately USD 16 million), extends U.S. technical assistance until December 2028. The support includes advanced systems for anti-submarine warfare, leveraging capabilities of aircraft such as the P-3C Orion, which are crucial for Taiwan's maritime defense​​.

President Joe Biden signed a comprehensive spending package in 2024, doubling security cooperation funding for Taiwan. This legislative action directs the U.S. Secretary of Defense to prioritize the delivery of defense articles and services to Taiwan. The bill includes $300 million in foreign military financing and $400 million for the Countering PRC Influence Fund, underscoring the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s security.

China’s military activities around Taiwan have increased, particularly after the election of President William Lai. The Chinese government perceives Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as threats to regional stability.