Drills involving “multiple military assets” were referred to as “unplanned sea encounters” and did not have official status. This suggests a tacit agreement wherein both parties maintain that the drills were the product of fortuitous contacts.
As the two forces increase collaboration in the face of growing Chinese military dominance, the US and Taiwan warships conducted joint drills in the Pacific in April that, officially, did not take place, according to four sources briefed on the situation.
The sources on Monday, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the subject, said that the exercises, which were not made public, were conducted in the Western Pacific last month.
“Multiple military assets” were cited as being involved by one source. According to a second account, there was an unofficial agreement between the parties claiming that the exercises were the outcome of fortuitous contacts and that they were called “unplanned sea encounters” instead of formal drills.
“It’s like I am dining in this restaurant and you also happen to be here,” stated the source. “Then it looks like I am only sharing the same table with someone.”
Aside from frigates, supply and support ships, and other military boats from both sides reportedly took part in the multi-day drills, which were intended to rehearse “basic” operations including communications and refueling and replenishment.
The Taiwanese navy told Reuters in a statement that it “acts in concert with the US-promoted Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea,” or CUES, to handle unanticipated events at sea and to minimize “interference” with one another.
Without providing further details, the statement stated, “The Navy frequently makes contact with vessels of other countries and conducts encounter drills as needed.”
The Pentagon said it would not comment.
The US backs Taiwan but recognizes Beijing
In recent years, Washington and Taipei have increased their military collaboration. Because China objects to any military contacts between Washington and Taipei, US-Taiwan military engagement, including visits and training, are kept low-key and frequently not formally confirmed. Taiwan, which Beijing claims will someday be reunited with the mainland, is referred to as its own province by China.
The United States and Taiwan do not have an official diplomatic connection since Washington is legally obligated to give Taiwan the resources it needs to defend itself and is the island’s main international supporter, even though it formally recognizes Beijing.
According to a third source, even though the “unplanned encounters” between the two navies were primarily simulations, these kinds of exercises are essential to guarantee that the two armies can coordinate in an emergency.
According to the source, the two navies also rehearsed a variety of tactical actions, such as looking for targets underwater.
In an effort to reduce hostilities between military forces at sea, CUES was developed approximately 10 years ago. It offers recommendations for safe operating distances and speeds, a common language for communications, and what to do in the event that a ship gets damaged.
China did not answer a request for comment right away.
Tang Hua, the head of Taiwan’s military, visited the US last month and talked about ways to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation, according to Reuters. China’s Foreign Ministry retorted that it was adamantly against “military collusion” between Taiwan and the US.
It was revealed last month that Admiral Mei Chia-shu, the Chief of Staff of Taiwan, was present at the US Indo-Pacific Command’s change-of-command ceremony in Hawaii. His attendance was noticed in the audience of an official photo.
One of the main points of dispute in Sino-US relations is China’s long-standing claim that Taiwan is its most sensitive territorial issue. Beijing has not said that it will not use force to bring Taiwan and the mainland together.
SOURCE: TRTWORLD
