WASHINGTON/TAIPEI: Amidst escalating tensions with China, Taiwan’s navy chief, Admiral Tang Hua, is slated to visit the United States next week.
The visit aims to bolster bilateral naval cooperation in the face of mounting threats towards the island. Despite the close relationship between Taiwan and the US, it remains unofficial due to Washington’s formal recognition of China.
Adm. Tang’s itinerary includes attending a military ceremony in Hawaii, followed by participation in the Sea-Air-Space conference near Washington. Talks are underway to arrange a meeting with the US Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti.
This visit comes at a crucial juncture, as China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan, viewing it as a renegade province. Taiwan’s navy, though dwarfed by China’s, has embarked on a modernization program under President Tsai Ing-wen, including the development of indigenous submarines. The cooperation between Taiwan and the US has intensified since Tsai took office in 2016, in response to heightened Chinese military pressure.
Beijing’s aggressive tactics, including the violation of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, have necessitated a coordinated response from Taiwan and its allies. The visit of Adm. Tang signifies a strategic effort by the US to bolster defence ties with Taiwan amidst growing regional instability. As tensions continue to simmer in the Indo-Pacific region, the meeting between Adm. Tang and US officials underscores the importance of cooperation in maintaining regional stability and security.
