US General's Advisory Role Signals Deepening Military Ties with Taiwan

Former US Commander Offers Strategic Guidance During Han Kuang Exercises, Highlighting Enhanced Defense Cooperation

Retired US General Robert B. Abrams reportedly served as an advisor to Admiral Mei Chia-shu (梅家樹), Chief of the General Staff, during Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense's computer-simulated war games, conducted as part of the 41st annual Han Kuang military exercises.

For 14 days and 13 nights, starting April 5th, the Taiwanese armed forces engaged in the computer-simulated war games using the joint theater-level simulation system (JTLS). The exercise simulated a continuous 24-hour confrontation, incorporating scenarios such as "gray zone" incursions and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) transitioning from an exercise to a full-scale invasion.

Abrams, a former four-star general who previously commanded US forces in South Korea, was present at the military exercises. He served as an observer and senior advisor to Admiral Mei, according to reports. The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that military exchanges between Taiwan and the US are ongoing, but declined to comment on individual cases.

Chieh Chung (揭仲), a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight, stated that the involvement of a senior US general as an advisor indicates that military exchanges between Taiwan and the US have evolved to the point of coordinated planning.

Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), a research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, noted that, while US representatives have previously observed the Han Kuang exercises and offered suggestions, the direct advisory role to the commander of the defending force symbolizes a joint commitment to defending against China, with significant implications. In related news, 38 out of 108 M1A2T tanks purchased from the US arrived in Taiwan late last year and are set to be deployed in the second half of this year after undergoing tests.

Military sources indicated that US representatives will be invited to attend the commissioning ceremony of Taiwan’s first M1A2T tank. There is also a possibility of inviting descendants of famed US army general Creighton Williams Abrams Jr to Taiwan for the event. The "A" in M1A stands for Abrams, named for the renowned general, whose third son is Robert B. Abrams.