TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Cross strait tensions have been on the rise in recent years. With North Korea firing off missiles near Japan and South Korea in recent weeks, however, the U.S. is poised to step up its campaign to upgrade the defense systems in the Asia-Pacific region.
In particular, the U.S. Air Force has deployed F-22 Raptor fighters to Japan as it phases out its previous F-15 fighters, beginning on Nov. 1.
The U.S. has also announced plans to install hypersonic missiles to its USS Zumwalt-class destroyers, with its first ship set to be ready for testing in 2025.
Experts speculate that these actions are aimed as a deterrence to China's increasing threats as reports claim many within the U.S. government are calling for a stronger stance in protecting Taiwan.
Still, President Emeritus of Pacific Forum Ralph Cossa cautions against the U.S. being too explicit, provoking China into countering this newly-perceived threat with more military spending.