US defence experts to work inside Taiwan military HQ under reported pact

A reported plan to station US defence personnel inside Taiwan’s military headquarters has raised concerns over the country's policymaking autonomy and military secrecy. According to Taiwanese media reports, the Pentagon plans to send two experts to the defence ministry's headquarters in Taipei, aiding policy coordination and combat capability assessments.

The program, which runs until 2028, has a budget of over NT$471 million, with much of the funding allocated to US personnel and consultancy costs. The arrangement, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift from the existing US military presence in Taiwan, where personnel have primarily served as trainers or through Washington's de facto embassy on the island.

The US Department of Defence has declined to comment on the reports, while the Taiwanese defence ministry has not confirmed the details. Taiwanese lawmakers have welcomed the arrangement as a "major upgrade" in military cooperation, while others have questioned the rising budget. Experts suggest that Beijing is likely to protest the arrangement and may respond with further military exercises or intimidation.

While US representatives are expected to provide communication and coordination, there are concerns that their influence over Taiwan's defence strategy could grow.