US military training for Taiwanese conflict

The US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has reportedly carried out drills simulating its response to a Chinese seizure of Taiwan for the first time, reflecting rising concern in Washington that Beijing may try to seize control of the self-governing island by force. The drills included firing recoilless rifles, breaching tunnels and operating Switchblade drones. The special forces used some of the same weaponry and tactics employed during Washington’s so-called War on Terror, as well as other tools reflecting a seismic shift for the command as it prepares for potential conflict against major military rivals. US-China relations have deteriorated in the past year due to Beijing’s refusal to join in a Western sanctions campaign against Russia over the Ukraine crisis. President Joe Biden has repeatedly hinted that Washington would come to Taiwan’s aid militarily in the event of a Chinese offensive.