Скачать или смотреть US may send active-duty general to lead military observers at Han Kuang exercises

For the first time in more than a decade, an active-duty general in the US military may lead US observers at this year''s annual Han Kuang military exercises. The speculation comes amid strengthened Taiwan-US military exchanges approved under former US President Barack Obama in the US National Defense Authorization Act. Over the past 13 years, the US has sent only retired military officers to head up its observer efforts at Taiwan’s major Han Kuang defense exercises. But this year, there are signs that an active-service general may lead the US’s group of military observers to the annual war games. Military representatives declined to confirm the speculation.In 2003, Taiwan’s military acquired a version of the Joint Theater Level Simulation system from the US. This system, in which virtual Taiwanese units share icons similar to those used by US forces, has enabled the country’s military planners to coordinate simulated deployments with US commanders. One DPP lawmaker applauded what he saw as increasing evidence of a potential bilateral military alliance.Lo Chih-cheng DPP LegislatorThe passage of the US’s National Defense Authorization Act provides a clear legal basis authorizing the US executive branch to conduct high-level exchanges of defense personnel with Taiwan. These exchanges are of course extremely welcome. If an active-duty flag officer in the US military observes this year’s round of computerized Han Kuang military exercises, it would represent a new high-water mark in Taiwan-US military exchanges since the two countries broke off official diplomatic relations in 1979.