US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler declared that the deterrence mission includes Taiwan. He made this clear during a major security conference in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. To begin with, Koehler warned that China is rapidly expanding its military presence beyond its own region. Furthermore, he stressed that this expansion signals Beijing’s growing intent to operate globally, not just locally.
Because of this, Koehler emphasized the importance of building strong regional partnerships. He pointed out that the U.S. Pacific Fleet works with key allies to prevent conflict in the Indo-Pacific. More importantly, he repeated that the deterrence mission includes Taiwan. According to Koehler, this approach helps maintain peace and stability throughout the region. In addition, Koehler stated that China is developing a blue-water navy capable of long-range operations. For example, Chinese forces have recently conducted joint drills and far-sea deployments.
At the same time, China has been rehearsing military actions aimed at Taiwan. Koehler explained that these include blockades, landings, and full-scale invasion scenarios. Therefore, he believes China is trying to force Taiwan into submission. Moreover, he criticized China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. He described it as part of a broader strategy for regional dominance. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy continues to stay active in the area. The USS Nimitz strike group completed missions near the South China Sea. Additionally, the USS George Washington is patrolling the western Pacific.
Besides those two carriers, the USS Tripoli is moving to a new home port in Japan. Similarly, the USS America is preparing for Talisman Sabre, a joint drill with Australian forces. Once again, Koehler made it clear that the deterrence mission includes Taiwan. He added that U.S. forces must stay ready for any challenge in the region. In response to Koehler’s remarks, Kotani Tetsuo, a Japanese defense expert, offered strong support. He introduced the idea of “one theater,” a strategy that views all East Asian conflicts as a single issue.
As a result, Kotani argued that allied nations must respond collectively. Without Taiwan’s participation, he warned that regional defense plans will remain incomplete. Consequently, Kotani called for Taiwan to join exercises like RIMPAC and Balikatan, at least as an observer. This, he said, would help regional militaries build stronger coordination. In conclusion, both Koehler and Kotani emphasized a key point. The deterrence mission includes Taiwan, and leaving Taiwan out would weaken the entire Indo-Pacific defense effort.
