Defense Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) clarified on Tuesday that Taiwan’s navy carried out routine drills with the U.S. following the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES). Responding to a media report on Taiwan-U.S. navy drills, the Defense Ministry added that the drills did not involve operational maneuvers and focused on communications. It explained that these drills are for handling unexpected scenarios at sea and avoiding "interference" under various maritime conditions. The ministry underscored that this is not the first such encounter drill conducted.
Reuters released an exclusive report that disclosed Taiwan and U.S. navies discreetly conducted joint military drills in the Western Pacific last April. Four anonymous sources were cited but declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. One source said multiple assets were involved while another added that about six navy ships from both sides, including frigates and support vessels, participated. A third source explained that the exercises involved practicing communications, refueling, and resupply, all essential drills that ensure both parties can cooperate in times of emergency. The last source said that the informal drills were designated as “unplanned maritime encounters,” with both parties understanding that the drills were “chance encounters.”
The report pointed out that due to China’s strong opposition, Taiwan-U.S. military engagement often does not receive official confirmation. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and objects to any form of official interaction that supports Taiwan’s assertion of its “sovereign status.”