Politics

MOFA reaffirms Taiwan-US military ties

Around 25,000 military personnel from 22 nations are taking part in RIMPAC, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. (Courtesy of US Navy)

• Publication Date：07/13/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

Taiwan and the U.S. maintain close military ties with robust exchanges in every sector despite the fact that the island is not taking part in this year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise around Hawaii, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs July 12.

“Bilateral cooperation remains strong with frequent military-to-military exchanges, personnel training and strategic dialogue,” said Bruce Jung-da Linghu, director-general of the MOFA Department of North American Affairs.

Linghu’s remarks came in the wake of Taiwan and mainland China nonparticipation in RIMPAC. Running June 29 to Aug. 3, the world’s largest maritime exercise involves around 25,000 personnel, 40 surface ships, six submarines and more than 200 aircraft from 22 nations.

Taiwan’s absence might be due to Washington’s belief that the time is not ripe for Taipei to participate in the war games, Linghu said, adding that irrespective, the ROC remains an important U.S. economic and security partner playing a key role in maintaining regional stability.

Echoing Linghu’s remarks, David Lo, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said the ROC government’s efforts in maintaining cross-strait peace and regional security are well-recognized by the international community.

“We will continue developing and strengthening security cooperation with all interested parties,” Lo added.

Established in 1971, RIMPAC is staged by the U.S. every two years. It aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of participating nations. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw