On Thursday, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed the presence of U.S. Army Special Forces personnel stationed on Taiwan's remote islands, describing their presence as part of a mutual exchange aimed at providing a valuable learning experience for Taiwan's military forces.

Following inquiries from reporters during a legislative hearing, the defence minister made these comments in response to recent media reports suggesting that American Army Special Forces, often referred to as the "Green Berets," are conducting training sessions for Taiwanese troops in Kinmen and Penghu.

Chiu explained that the presence of the U.S. was intended to assist Taiwan's armed forces in identifying any weaknesses or blind spots, while also facilitating exchanges with allied teams or nations.

Such deployments allow the two sides to observe and learn from each other and address any issues, the minister said, adding that these exchanges "do not involve any proposals regarding the purchase of military equipment."

Earlier this month, the U.S. military news outlet SOFREP reported that military instructors from the U.S. Army Special Forces had "started to take up permanent positions" at the Taiwanese Army's amphibious command centres located in Kinmen and Penghu. According to the report, their tasks encompass regular training sessions and joint exercises with Taiwan's elite forces.

These deployments, according to the report, were carried out per the U.S. 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Act requires the U.S. secretary of defense, in consultation with "appropriate officials in Taiwan," to establish a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for Taiwanese military forces, consistent with the U.S.' Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act.

According to the report, one aspect of the training provided by the American Army Special Forces involves instructing their Taiwanese counterparts on the operation of the Black Hornet Nano, a compact military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Additionally, they are involved in developing essential guidelines and manuals for its usage.

According to SOFREP, the Taiwanese Aviation and Special Forces Command proposed acquiring the micro drone from the U.S. through military sales avenues.

A Pentagon spokesperson earlier this month declined to comment on specific operations, engagements, or training when asked to comment on the issue.

President Tsai Ing-wen first acknowledged the presence of U.S. Special Forces on Taiwanese territory during an interview with CNN in 2021. However, she did not disclose any details regarding their specific location at that time.

Image source: U.S. Army Website