TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's military has redeployed its elite 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion (中華民國陸軍航空特戰指揮部兩棲偵察營), the Sea Dragon Frogmen, from Kinmen to Penghu islands. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) confirmed Tuesday (Oct. 7) that the strategic relocation meets evolving defense project demands and national security requirements. The redeployment represents a significant shift in Taiwan's military positioning amid regional tensions.
U.S. special forces have shifted training focus to Penghu, where joint military exercises with Taiwan continue as planned, according to Koo. He emphasized adjustments aim to enhance combat capabilities and defensive resilience of Taiwan's military forces. The amphibious battalion maintains minimal presence on outer islands Kinmen and Matsu, Taiwan's frontline territories closest to China, executing critical missions including high-level escort and emergency supply transport operations.
The National Security Council (國安會) and Ministry of National Defense (國防部) spearheaded the Sea Dragon Frogmen relocation decision, drawing significant public attention to the strategic military repositioning. Army Command Headquarters, Taiwan's army leadership, stated troop deployments are based on enemy threats and operational needs to improve defense capabilities. Navy Command Headquarters declined to comment on specific troop missions and deployments, citing operational security concerns.
The amphibious battalion will collaborate with Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion to defend Taiwan's western Red Beach and rotate duties at Taichung Port in response to attack unmanned vehicle integration. Marine Corps has stationed four M109 special operations assault boats at Tamsui River estuary. Future plans include allocating forces to defend northern and southern Red Beach combat zones.