This archive report was first published on 28 October 2021.
Published on October 28, 2021, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen confirmed the presence of a small number of US troops in Taiwan for training purposes.
Speaking to CNN, Tsai described Taiwan as a regional 'beacon' of democracy facing down a giant authoritarian neighbour, China.
China has long regarded Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize the island, by force if needed.
Beijing's sabre-rattling has ramped up in recent years, exacerbating fears the island of 23 million people could become a major global flashpoint.
US President Joe Biden has rebuked Beijing over its actions near Taiwan, saying the US is 'deeply concerned' by China's coercive actions.
While the US switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979, it opposes any forced change to Taiwan's status and has a decades-old act of Congress obligating it to help maintain Taiwan's defensive capabilities.
