Taiwan says it’s studying Ukraine, discussing war tactics with US

Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng announced the country is studying the tactics Ukraine has used in its fight against Russia’s invasion. Chiu said the defense ministry has set up a working group that includes academics from the National Defense University. The group is following topics such as Russia’s poor military performance and Ukraine’s resistance.

Chiu also said Thursday Taiwan has been discussing Ukraine’s tactics with the United States.

“It is not only discussed in exchange meetings between the United States and Taiwan, but also discussed with other countries that have regular contacts with Taiwan,” Chiu said. “We will not make remarks rashly, but through internal discussions which are important, to get results that are helpful for building armaments and preparing for war.”

Taiwan has raised its alert level since the Russian invasion, wary of China making a similar move. However, Taiwan has not reported any signs of China preparing to do so, and China has accused Taiwan of exploiting the invasion for their own benefit.

As Taiwan announced it is studying Ukraine, U.S. and Filipino marines continued what has been one of the largest combat exercises in years between the two countries. Since Monday, the U.S. and the Philippines have conducted live-fire drills, aircraft assaults, urban warfare and civic projects. They have happened mostly in northern and the western Philippines, which faces the disputed South China Sea.

“Well certainly the objective of what we are doing is demonstrating the strength of the alliance as well as the commitment to regional security and that is the purpose of this exercise,” Col. Timothy Brady Jr., who heads the U.S. 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, said. He added he was “very pleased” with the outcome of Thursday’s mock beach landings.