Richard Sanders
In a significant display of military collaboration, more than 500 Taiwanese troops took part in the annual Northern Strike military exercise held in Michigan, a U.S. Pentagon-run event. The drill, which concluded this past Sunday, involved a total of 7,500 military personnel from 36 countries and territories worldwide, according to a report by Stars and Stripes.
This year’s Northern Strike exercise marked a notable shift in focus, with simulations emphasizing war scenarios in the Indo-Pacific region, diverging from its traditional European orientation. The change signals a strategic move by the U.S. military to prepare for potential conflicts in Asia.
Taiwan has been participating in Northern Strike as a partner since 2021, with former U.S. diplomat Joseph Cella highlighting that Taiwanese military personnel have been training “in strategic and tactical battle operations” in Michigan. A Michigan National Guard official confirmed that Taiwan’s involvement has been a consistent aspect of recent exercises.
US Air Force General and Chief of the National Guard Bureau Steve Nordhaus visited troops during the event, underscoring the importance placed on these joint operations.
In response to inquiries, a U.S. defense official stated that the Pentagon typically does not disclose details about Taiwan’s participation in U.S. military exercises, adhering to established policy.
Analysts in Taiwan note that
