TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's military joined the expanded Northern Strike exercises in Michigan, U.S. this August, according to Japanese media reports. Sankei Shimbun (產經新聞) reported that Taiwan sent army personnel to participate in the drills led by the Michigan National Guard, although the number of participants remains unclear.
The Northern Strike exercises, held from Aug. 3-17, brought together over 6,000 participants, including more than 1,000 from outside the U.S. The exercises aimed to bolster combat readiness and included defense training against drones.
Reuters also reported a low-profile joint exercise between Taiwan and the U.S. in the Western Pacific this April, which was not publicly disclosed. In response to China's military pressure on Taiwan, the Biden administration announced a new arms sale to Taiwan on Oct. 25, valued at approximately US$1.98 billion.
The package includes three NASAMS advanced surface-to-air missile systems, worth US$1.16 billion, contracted by Raytheon (雷神). The U.S. also uses NASAMS to aid Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
As the U.S. presidential election approaches on Nov. 5, there is widespread interest in whether the new administration will continue supporting Taiwan. Through arms sales and joint exercises, the Biden administration has demonstrated its intention to assist Taiwan in a potential conflict, aiming to deter Chinese aggression.
Observers will closely watch the election's outcome to see how U.S.-Taiwan relations might evolve. The ongoing military cooperation highlights the strategic importance of Taiwan in regional security dynamics.