US Special Forces Deployed to China’s Doorstep

In recent news, U.S. special forces have been stationed just six miles off China’s coast, a development that has drawn significant attention and concern. Following the accidental leak of this information, China has expressed strong disapproval. The U.S. military has confirmed that the presence of American special operators in Taiwan will now be permanent, a move that has sparked controversy and been labeled by China as provocative.

While the situation is tense, it is important to note that it is not Taiwan that poses a threat to China, but rather the reverse. This is why U.S. Army Green Berets and other operators will be permanently stationed on at least two islands near the Chinese coast. Although U.S. service members have visited Taiwan in the past, this marks the first time that American troops will have a permanent presence, all at the invitation of Taiwan itself. Funding for this permanent presence was secured under the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, although the exact number of American soldiers involved remains unclear.

Currently, U.S. soldiers are stationed on at least two sites in Taiwan: the islands of Penghu and Kinmen. The Department of Defense has not disclosed specific details about the mission of these special forces, but it has confirmed that one of their objectives is to assist in training Taiwan’s own special and amphibious forces. The Green Berets, who specialize in countering enemy special forces, are particularly well-suited for preparing Taiwan against potential incursions by Chinese special forces.

A major focus of the Green Berets’ mission is to counter the threat posed by Chinese special forces and to identify and neutralize potential infiltrators. This concern is heightened by the fact that Taiwan’s intelligence agencies frequently uncover Chinese collaborators within its military, civilian population, and government. In response, China has been conducting a campaign of gray zone warfare against Taiwan, attempting to influence public opinion and set the stage for a possible invasion.

Political and military leaders in Taiwan are also potential targets for Chinese special forces, with plans indicating that specialized teams may be deployed to eliminate key figures in Taiwan’s leadership during an invasion. The Green Berets are well-equipped to assist in training Taiwan’s forces for such scenarios, as they have experience providing security for American leaders in conflict situations.

Many in the U.S. military believe that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is likely, with reports suggesting that China may be fully prepared for such an action by 2027. Initial estimates indicated that China might take advantage of political instability following the 2024 U.S. elections to launch an invasion by 2025. However, a significant corruption scandal within the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force has raised doubts about the military’s readiness and capabilities.

The Rocket Force is crucial for any invasion of Taiwan, as it is responsible for neutralizing U.S. regional power through long-range ballistic missiles. If this force is unable to perform its duties effectively, China’s chances of successfully landing on Taiwan diminish significantly.

While the corruption scandal may have provided the U.S. and Taiwan with additional time, the threat of a Chinese invasion is being taken more seriously than ever. President Joe Biden has publicly stated that the U.S. would defend Taiwan, although White House staff have sought to clarify these remarks, contributing to ongoing ambiguity regarding U.S. intentions.

The presence of U.S. special forces near China suggests a shift in strategy, as America prepares to enhance weapon sales to Taiwan. These operators are likely involved not only in training Taiwanese forces to counter Chinese threats but also in familiarizing them with new military equipment.

Among the new tools available to Taiwan is the Black Hornet, a micro-drone that has been used effectively in Ukraine for covert surveillance. This drone is compact, capable of operating in adverse weather conditions, and equipped with advanced imaging technology.

While specific details about the Green Berets’ training mission in Taiwan remain largely undisclosed, their location on outlying islands suggests preparations for potential counter-infiltration operations into China. Any invasion of Taiwan would require extensive preparation, providing Taiwanese special forces with opportunities to conduct sabotage missions within China to disrupt invasion plans.

Using secure communication links, special forces on these islands could coordinate long-range attacks against Chinese vessels approaching the Strait. This capability is a significant concern for China, which has invested considerable resources in addressing such threats.

In the event of conflict, U.S. Marines would likely conduct amphibious landings on islands near China’s coast, leveraging a restructured and more agile force to establish anti-ship missile bases. The goal is to present China with multiple challenges that overwhelm its ability to respond effectively.

These islands could also host mobile air defense systems to counter the Chinese Air Force’s attempts to gain air superiority. The successful use of air defenses in Ukraine serves as a model for how such strategies could be implemented in Taiwan.

U.S. special forces in Taiwan would play a critical role in coordinating responses to Chinese aggression, assisting Taiwan in defending against special forces, and facilitating communication between Taiwanese and American military operations.

However, this strategy carries significant risks, as U.S. service members would be directly involved in any conflict. The ongoing military engagement could become politically contentious, especially if the U.S. were to elect a leader with isolationist tendencies.

Despite these challenges, the current trajectory of U.S.-Taiwan relations indicates a commitment to providing military support. For the first time, Taiwan is receiving direct military assistance through America’s foreign military finance program, aimed at bolstering its defenses.

The U.S. has historically maintained a position of ambiguity regarding Taiwan to avoid provoking China, but the changing military landscape necessitates a reevaluation of this strategy. Taiwan requires substantial military assistance to deter a more powerful China, and recent arms sales reflect this urgent need.

Taiwan’s military is in need of modernization, as many of its systems are outdated. The U.S. is working to address these deficiencies through ongoing arms sales, although the demand for military supplies in other regions, such as Ukraine, complicates this effort.

Taiwan is also facing manpower shortages due to reduced military service requirements, prompting the reinstatement of a full year of mandatory service for young citizens. However, training quality remains a concern, and the U.S. is assisting in improving these standards.

As Taiwan restructures its military in response to growing threats, U.S. special forces are at the forefront of this effort. Their permanent deployment suggests that their mission extends beyond training, indicating a broader strategic partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan.

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