WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A few U.S. Special Operations Forces have temporarily been moving into Taiwan to train with Taiwanese troops, according to two sources who were not authorized to speak publicly.

The Pentagon is not known for providing details regarding U.S. military training and advising Taiwan forces.

“I don’t have any comments on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would like to highlight that our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China,” said Pentagon spokesman John Supple.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. They stated that all military exchanges were conducted in compliance with the annual plans.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that U.S. military sales and military ties to Taiwan should be halted to prevent any harm to bilateral relations.

He said that “the U.S. side must fully recognize the high sensitivity of Taiwan” during a daily briefing.

He said that China will “take all necessary steps to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

China regards Taiwan as a province that is in danger and has not yet ruled out taking it by force. Taiwan claims it is independent and will protect its democracy, freedom and rights.

Sources declined to give details about the duration of the training, but they suggested that it was pre-dated by the Biden administration which took place in January.

At the moment, Beijing is carrying out military drills near Taiwan. While this training has been reported by at least one Asian media outlet before now, U.S. officials could confirm it. The Wall Street Journal had details of the training published earlier in Thursday. It cited unidentified U.S. officers.

“I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that Beijing is aware of this,” said Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund, noting a social media post during the Trump administration about training by special operations forces.

“Making it public will drive the Chinese to act, and they will probably do so by increasing pressure against Taiwan.

Ami Bera (Democratic Representative) is the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee’s Asia leader. He was asked by defense officials if he knew about the deployment.

If I can call it a deployed, then not this particular deployment. Bera indicated that she believes there are special operators there and also other personnel there.

Thom Tillis (Republican Senator) said that he was not made aware of the event and only had seen reports. However, he added, “Actually, I would be happier with that number being in the hundreds.”

Taiwan is the largest weaponry supplier to the United States. The United States has offered extensive advice and training in weapons systems as well as detail on how to improve its military defense against an attack by China’s Peoples Liberation Army.

Recent Chinese military planes have flown through Taiwan’s vast air defense identification zone (which extends well beyond Taiwan’s domestic airspace) several times in the last few days.

China is now avoiding Taiwanese airspace.

Taiwanese officials have denounced China’s military actions and said they would defend Taiwan’s democracy and freedom.