U.S. Sending Special Forces Permanently to Taiwan

For the first time ever, US Special Forces are reported to be permanently based in Taiwan. Green Berets will be stationed off of Army amphibious bases in Kinmen and Penghu for continuous training missions. 

Much of the focus is thought to be centered around the use of the Black Hornet Nano, an unmanned aerial vehicle. The island of Penghu is just six miles off the coast of Mainland China, within range of missiles and artillery. In addition, they will be training various Taiwanese special forces units.

The permanent assignment of these operators may be a sign of anticipation to a potential Chinese invasion. It may also be seen as the US showing solidarity while bolstering the defensive capabilities and lethality of Taiwanese forces.

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MDNA) commented, “Exchanges with foreign militaries will be carried out according to annual plans, and no comments will be made on the details of such activities”, adding that the armed forces will, “continue to make concerted efforts to train and prepare for war to ensure national security and regional stability.” President Tsai Ing-Wen became the first Taiwanese president to acknowledge the presence of US troops in Taiwan back in 2021.  However, these forces were not present in a permanent capacity. 

In contrast, 2023’s National Defense Authorization Act set aside funds under the Special Operations Forces Liaison Element to station troops at Kinmen and Penghu permanently. “The Green Berets are a defensive type of special forces, employed to counteract enemy infiltration, especially when integrated with Taiwan’s amphibious reconnaissance battalions,” informs Su Tzu-yun, the director of defense strategy and resources at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research.

The DOD usually does not comment on the specifics of Special Forces activities, but re-affirms its commitment to Taiwan.