Taiwan’s defence ministry announced on Wednesday that it plans to expand military cooperation with the United States through reciprocal visits and participation in military exercises. The initiative aims to reinforce regional peace and stability amid growing security challenges in the Asia-Pacific.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan , but is the island’s most important international backer and is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

In a report to parliament, the ministry said the United States is an important strategic partner.

“Our armed forces continue to strengthen Taiwan-U.S. communication channels and advance multi-domain, multi-level strategic cooperation on defence and security,” it sai

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