Washington, DC [US], June 14 (ANI): In response to the escalating threat posed by China toward Taiwan, the US Navy is stepping up its global war game exercises and strategic planning, aiming to make the self-ruled island “a very difficult target to take,” said US Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby during congressional testimony on Wednesday.
Speaking before the US House Armed Services Committee, Admiral Kilby detailed the Navy’s evolving approach to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. According to a report by the Taipei Times, Kilby said the Navy has been conducting regular simulations at the Naval War College to counter Beijing’s military ambitions, especially regarding a potential invasion of Taiwan.
“Our focus is on long-range strike capabilities, countering China’s command and surveillance systems, terminal ship defense, contested logistics, and unconventional maritime denial strategies,” Kilby stated. He emphasized that the Navy is accelerating experimentation with new technologies in each area, spurred by ongoing consultations with Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo and Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler.
When asked whether a $13 billion aircraft carrier or autonomous systems would be more effective in defending Taiwan, Kilby pointed to a shift in strategy: “If I could put those drones on Taiwan, I’d put them on Taiwan,” he said, highlighting the growing emphasis on unmanned assets over traditional force projection platforms.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also testified at the hearing, facing bipartisan calls to expedite the delivery of defense equipment to Taiwan. Representative Don Bacon urged immediate action to send critical items such as sea mines, which are deemed essential for Taiwan’s coastal defense.
Hegseth acknowledged the delays, admitting that while multiple administrations had promised a pivot toward the Indo-Pacific, the Department of Defense had failed to implement the necessary structural reforms until recently. “The department had not put in place the needed changes,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Taiwan, President William Lai visited the National Police Agency’s counterterrorism training center in Taoyuan’s Sinwu District on Thursday. According to Taipei Times, Lai observed elite hostage rescue drills involving armored vehicles, helicopter rappelling, and stun grenades. He praised the Special Operations Group for its professionalism and preparedness.
“The more we train, the more secure our people will be,” President Lai said, reinforcing the message that enhanced national readiness boosts public confidence and security amid mounting regional tensions. (ANI)
About The Author
