US Marines lead Taiwan’s special forces in joint maritime training

Taiwan’s Marine Corps Special Forces recently conducted specialized training off the coast of Kaohsiung, with US military personnel reportedly taking a leading role in the exercises. 

Observers noted over ten heavily armed Taiwanese Marine Corps Special Forces operatives, equipped with night vision goggles, embarking on M96 fast boats for a nighttime drill. At the forefront of the operation were two US personnel in civilian attire, guiding the exercises onboard the vessels, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

This joint training is part of a long-standing partnership between Taiwan and the United States. When Taiwan first acquired the M109 assault boats, US Marines were dispatched under the guise of expert trainers to support their integration. Over the years, this cooperation has evolved into regular, high-level engagements, particularly focusing on amphibious and coastal reconnaissance capabilities.

The US Marine Corps’ “Marine Raiders,” renowned for their expertise in special operations, serve as a key component in these exercises. Each Raider battalion is composed of specialized teams capable of conducting reconnaissance and assault missions using various platforms, including high-speed assault boats.

In a separate but related development, US Coast Guard personnel were also observed providing boarding and seizure training to Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration. This annual collaboration underscores Washington's commitment to bolstering Taiwan’s maritime security.

Despite these reports, Taiwan's Navy Command Headquarters has declined to comment on the presence of US personnel in the recent drills. The lack of an official statement aligns with the sensitive nature of military cooperation between Taiwan and the United States.

The exercises come at a time of heightened military activity in the region, with Taiwan ramping up its defensive readiness amid increased incursions by Chinese forces. The ongoing collaboration between US and Taiwanese forces serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific theater.