On Thursday, a Pentagon official claimed that US special operations personnel had been discreetly training Taiwanese troops for months, risking China's wrath.
According to the official, who did not want to be identified, the training has been conducted by a contingent of roughly 20 special operations and conventional soldiers for less than a year, with some trainers rotating in and out.
The person essentially verified a report in the Wall Street Journal that the training has been ongoing for at least a year, despite China's increasing vocal threats towards the US's island ally.
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry declined to comment on the claim, but Pentagon spokesman John Supple stated that US military assistance to Taiwan is based on the country's defense needs.
"Our support for and defence relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People's Republic of China," said Supple in a statement.
"We urge Beijing to honour its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences."
According to Taiwanese media, US troops landed in November to teach Taiwanese marines and special forces in small-boat and amphibious operations, citing Taiwan's Naval Command.
However, US and Taiwanese officials have refuted the accusations, stating that the two countries only participate in bilateral military exchanges and cooperation.
In response to Beijing's threat to forcibly reclaim control of Taiwan and reunite it with China, the US supplies armaments to Taiwan, including defense missiles and fighter jets.
In addition, the US has an uncertain pledge to safeguard Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade colony.
A video published last year and widely circulated in Taiwanese media showed US troops participating in the island's "Balance Tamper." exercise.
Chinese troops have increased their activity toward Taiwan in the past year, conducting sea invasion exercises and flying big bomber and fighter flights close to Taiwan airspace.
Taiwan's air force was scrambled on Monday after a record 56 Chinese jets flew into its air defense zone.
According to US State Department spokesman Ned Price, the Chinese effort is "destabilizing" and "provocative."
"We strongly urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan," he added, emphasizing the United States' "rock-solid" commitment to the island.
