Taiwan minister says close ties with U.S. Pacific Command boost

Taiwan's cooperation with the United States may be closer than many imagine, the island's Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Friday, as it strives to deepen military exchanges with the U.S. Pacific Command to boost defence capabilities.



The command helps maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, Koo said, and it views Taiwan as occupying a key position in the first island chain that stretches from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines.



"Our cooperation with the United States may be far closer than many people imagine," Koo said in an interview with a small group of reporters, as he voiced gratitude for Washington's support.



Such efforts have helped Taiwan boost its defensive combat capabilities through military exchanges



The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.