**Taiwan’s military is exploring joint operations with foreign partners to further strengthen its defense capabilities, the island’s defense minister said on Friday.**
Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, faces increasing military pressure from Beijing, which has been flying fighter jets and bombers near the island on a regular basis and staged large-scale military exercises nearby.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters the military was working on plans for joint operations with like-minded partners, including training and drills, to improve coordination and interoperability.
He did not provide details on which countries Taiwan was talking to, but said the focus would be on nations that share similar values and strategic interests.
Taiwan has been seeking to boost its defense ties with the United States and other Western countries as it seeks to deter China from any attempt to invade.
The United States, which has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is bound by law to provide the island with defense equipment, has been increasing its military presence in the region in recent years.
In March, a senior U.S. defense official said the United States was working with Taiwan to develop joint operational concepts.
Chiu’s comments come as China has been increasing its military activities around Taiwan, including flying fighter jets and bombers near the island on a regular basis and staging large-scale military exercises nearby.
On Friday, China’s military sent 25 warplanes into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, the largest such incursion this year.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said it scrambled jets and deployed air defense missile systems to monitor the Chinese aircraft.
The Chinese military’s increased activities around Taiwan have raised concerns about the risk of conflict between the two sides.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was .
Taiwan’s Military Exploring Joint Operations With Foreign Partners, Minister Says
