TAIPEI (Reuters – The United States plans on “cooperation” between Taiwan’s National Guard and Taiwan’s military. Taiwan President Tsai ng-wen announced Tuesday that the US is looking to strengthen security ties against what Taipei complains about as a rising threat by China.

Although there is no diplomatic relationship, the United States has been claimed by China as Taiwan’s top international supporter and arms supplier. China is increasing its military activity near Taiwan in order to defend its sovereignty claims.

Last week, China’s military stated that it conducted an exercise in Taiwan to warn against “collusion with the United States.”

After U.S. president Joe Biden had angered China, he appeared to indicate a change of U.S. strategic ambiguity on Taiwan. Biden stated that the United States would become militarily involved if China attempted to attack Taiwan. According to U.S. officials, there has been no shift in U.S. policy.

Meeting visiting U.S. Tsai met with Senator Tammy Duckworth, Taipei. Tsai pointed out that Duckworth was one main sponsor of the Taiwan Partnership Act. It had gained bipartisan support at the U.S. Congress, though it has yet to be made law.

Tsai stated that the U.S. Department of Defense was now planning proactive cooperation between Taiwan’s defense forces and the U.S. National Guard.

Taiwanese media previously reported that Taiwan may partner with Hawaii’s National Guard in the development of this programme.

Tsai said, “We are looking forward to closer Taiwan-U.S. collaboration on matters related to regional security.”

Duckworth stated that she visited Taiwan to reiterate her support for Taiwan and the “tremendous”, U.S. legislators’ support.

Yet, Taiwan, despite all its lobbying, was not included last week in the United States’ Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (or IPEF).

Tsai stated that Taiwan would continue to express its willingness and desire to take part.

We look forward to Taiwanese and American cooperation in the future to take new steps towards developing concrete plans to deepen our economic relationship.