The U.S. Department of Defense is calling on Japan and Australia to clarify their positions regarding preparations for a potential war around Taiwan. This was reported by the Financial Times.
According to the publication, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby recently urged representatives of Japan and Australia during negotiations to intensify preparations for war, particularly by increasing defense spending.
Washington's pressure is aimed at strengthening allies in the region and sending a warning to China. However, the U.S. does not officially provide security guarantees to Taiwan, instead adhering to a policy of "strategic ambiguity." This means the U.S. does not disclose in advance how it would act in a potential conflict scenario.
Taiwan deploys HIMARS missiles
At the same time, on July 12, Taiwanese military deployed HIMARS rocket artillery systems as part of large-scale "Han Kuang" exercises. The drills are designed to demonstrate the island's military capabilities and readiness.
Two HIMARS systems mounted on trucks were observed near the city of Taichung. Capable of striking targets up to 300 km away, these systems can potentially target China's Fujian province, located on the far side of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan received the first 11 of 29 HIMARS systems ordered from the U.S. last year.
Beijing's stance: "reunification" by force if necessary
China considers democratically governed Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to reunify the island with the mainland, "by force if necessary." In recent years, Beijing has intensified military pressure. Taiwan, however, considers itself an independent country and firmly rejects China's claims.
