Strengthening Defense Ties: Taiwan & U.S. Amid Rising Tensions

Intermediate | August 20, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

---

Taiwan Strengthens Defense Ties with U.S. While Staying Self-Reliant

Taipei is quietly boosting its own military strength. After foreign officials hinted China made promises not to invade Taiwan, the Taiwanese government emphasized it must remain self-reliant for security. At the same time, Taiwan strengthens defense ties with U.S. support through arms sales and training, even though there is no formal treaty obligating military defense, maintaining a policy of strategic ambiguity.(Reuters)

---

Congress Moves to Deepen Defense Partnership

On August 1, 2025, lawmakers in Washington introduced new bipartisan bills to strengthen defense collaboration. One, the U.S.–Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act, aims to support Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in Latin America. Another, the U.S.–Taiwan Defense Innovation Partnership Act, promotes deeper cooperation in defense technology, signaling growing institutional support in Congress. These moves show how Taiwan strengthens defense ties with U.S. beyond just military drills.(FAPA)

---

Taiwan’s Military Drills Show Readiness

In July 2025, Taiwan held its most comprehensive Han Kuang military exercises to date. The drills involved mock missile attacks, evacuations, cyber defense, and emergency training with over 22,000 reservists. U.S.-supplied weapons like HIMARS and Abrams tanks were used, showcasing Taipei’s commitment to resilience.(Washington Post)

---

What This Means for You

These developments show how Taiwan is strengthening its own defenses while deepening U.S. ties—without changing the official “no defense treaty” policy. For English learners, this article is rich with useful expressions like “self-reliant,” “bipartisan,” “military drills,” and “strategic ambiguity.”

---

Vocabulary

1. Self-reliant (adjective) – relying on one’s own resources.
   Example: “Taiwan says it must remain self-reliant for security.”
2. Strategic ambiguity (noun) – a policy that avoids clear commitments.
   Example: “The U.S. maintains strategic ambiguity to avoid provoking China.”
3. Bipartisan (adjective) – supported by two political parties.
   Example: “A bipartisan bill was introduced to deepen defense ties.”
4. Diplomatic allies (noun) – countries that recognize or support another politically.
   Example: “The act helps Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in Latin America.”
5. Innovation (noun) – new methods or technology.
   Example: “The bill promotes defense innovation with the U.S.”
6. Reservists (noun) – trained individuals who serve in military part-time.
   Example: “22,000 reservists participated in the Han Kuang drills.”
7. Mock (adjective) – simulated or practice (not real).
   Example: “They conducted mock missile attacks during the drills.”
8. Resilience (noun) – ability to recover from difficulty.
   Example: “Taiwan showed resilience in its comprehensive drills.”
9. Sabotage (noun) – secretly harming or obstructing.
   Example: “Exercises included cyber drills to prevent sabotage.”
10. Commitment (noun) – dedication to a cause.
    Example: “Taiwan’s commitment to defense is clear.”

---

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

1. Why did Taiwan emphasize being “self-reliant” in defense?
2. What are the two U.S. bills, and what do they aim to achieve?
3. What made the Han Kuang military exercises stand out this year?
4. Why does the U.S. favor “strategic ambiguity” over a formal treaty?
5. How do these military and diplomatic moves affect Taiwan’s security?

---

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

1. What are the pros and cons of a country maintaining “strategic ambiguity”?
2. How might the Taiwan-U.S. bills affect China’s approach?
3. What value do realistic drills bring to national defense?
4. Should a country like Taiwan rely more on allies or self-defense? Why?
5. How do you think international politics influence local security?

---

Related Idiom

“Covering both bases” – planning for multiple possible situations.
Example: “Taiwan is covering both bases by boosting its own defense and deepening U.S. ties.”

---

📢 Want more tips like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter! Click here to join us!

---

Want to finally Master English but don’t have the time? Mastering English for Busy Professionals is the course for you! Check it out now!

---

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips

---

This article was inspired by Reuters, Washington Post, and FAPA.

• Reuters
• Washington Post