What happened
The US Pacific Commander, Adm. Samuel Paparo, stated that the goal of American military preparations in the Pacific is to convince Beijing that military aggression would be too costly to achieve its objectives. Paparo emphasized that the US strategy is designed to provide a deterrent capability, making it clear that the cost of aggression outweighs any perceived benefits.
According to Paparo, deterrence is the military's highest duty, which requires a combination of capability and will that must be visible to potential adversaries. He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, stating that when countries operate together, deterrence compounds.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported recurring Chinese operations around the island, including joint combat readiness patrols and PLA aircraft operating alongside Chinese naval vessels. Paparo characterized these operations as rehearsals for a potential use of force against Taiwan.
The US is implementing a strategy known as deterrence by denial, which aims to convince an adversary that it will be unable to accomplish its military objectives. This approach involves using unmanned systems and precision technologies to complicate an attacking force's operations. Taiwan is also expanding its unmanned capabilities, with a new law providing funding for the development of Taiwan-made unmanned systems.
