US Marines Enter Taiwan First Time in 40 Years
In the mid-1950s the US saw the issue of Taiwan as crucial to its international interest. Thus, in 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty. Since then the existence of Taiwan is heavily dependent on the support of the United States and the military sales from Washington. Nonetheless, the latest news about the deployment of the United States Marine Corps to Taiwan was a surprise, with the Pentagon refuting the reports.
For the first time in 40 years, the USMC have reportedly conducted exercises along with the Republic of China Army. The Marines’ Special Operations Forces branch – the Marine Raiders, attended a series of specialized maritime training exercises. Supposedly the unit arrived around 28th October, and was allowed to begin the exercises after a two-week quarantine period.
According to Taiwan’s United Daily News carried out assault boat and speedboat infiltration operations at the Tsoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung.
The increasing threat from the People’s Republic of China has forced the Taipei government to reinforce its army with the latest tech, equipment and knowledge. Hence, the presence of the US Marine Raiders is a part of the Washington policy to contain the Chinese attempts to seize the island. The latest approvals of arms sale to Taiwan only confirms its defensive stance towards the growing danger of invasion. A couple of weeks ago, the Chinese authorities threatened Taipei with an open war via a propaganda video.
The appearance of US Marine Raiders was definitely unexpected to a large extent, especially with the fear of China’s response to the actions of Taiwan and the previous politics of cowing deployed by Beijing. Nevertheless, the United States exhibits enforcement of its presence in the regions with such actions.
An impending change of occupant at the Oval Office, however, causes concerns for Tsai Ing-Wei’s government in Taiwan. The hardline stance of President Trump on China was a guarantee of the United States’ support and protection. With Joe Biden winning the recent presidential election, there is some uncertainty over what his stance on Taiwan will be.