RIMPAC Kicks Off, Chiu Says 'Resolute Dragon' and Other Drills More Worthy of Attention

(CNA Taipei, June 24) The multinational maritime exercise "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) kicked off today. Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng stated that the ongoing drills "Resolute Dragon" and "Valiant Shield," due to their involvement in aspects like island joint operations, are more worthy of Taiwan's attention.

Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee today invited Chiu Kuo-cheng to report on "Fairness of the Reserve Mobilization System, Effectiveness of Practical Training for Reservists, and Complementary Measures for Female Mobilization" and to answer questions.

During questioning, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Ting-yu asked if Taiwan was participating in RIMPAC in any form, noting that 31 countries are participating this year and that a South Korean officer will serve as maritime commander for the first time, a historic first. Chiu Kuo-cheng replied that the Ministry of National Defense is not participating.

Wang Ting-yu further inquired which country in the Indo-Pacific region the RIMPAC exercise's focus on gray zone threats, potential adversaries, and authoritarian expansion was targeting. Chiu Kuo-cheng explained that the target for collective deterrence along the first and even second island chains is very clear, and that is China.

Chiu Kuo-cheng pointed out that what is more worthy of attention now are the ongoing drills "Resolute Dragon" and "Valiant Shield." Resolute Dragon focuses on Kyushu and the southwestern islands of Japan, involving joint operations related to islands, particularly the forward deployment of expeditionary forces by the United States in conjunction with the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The target of the exercise is very clear.

Regarding Valiant Shield, Chiu Kuo-cheng said it is larger in scale, involving exercises with U.S. aircraft carriers, related vessels, and advanced fighter jets. Australia is also participating, and the exercise area spans from Miyagi in Japan southward to Kagoshima, including Guam and Hawaii.

Wang Ting-yu mentioned the ongoing Immediate Ready Reserve exercise, the upcoming Joint Defense exercise, and the Han Kuang live-fire exercise in August. He asked if these exercises are related to the ongoing drills by allied nations and if the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has sent personnel to Taiwan.

Chiu Kuo-cheng responded that the Immediate Ready Reserve exercise, the Joint Defense exercise, and the Han Kuang live-fire exercise are all part of a series of training evolutions designed to validate joint operational capabilities in conjunction with the Armed Forces' joint operational plans. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 06/24/115

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