US-China Tensions Escalate as US Deploys Troops to Taiwan
The US has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of China, with President Trump announcing a 34% tariff on Chinese goods. The Pentagon has also released a new strategic guidance document, outlining a potential war scenario with China.
The US has been strengthening its military presence in Taiwan, with the deployment of a Special Operations Forces Liaison Unit (SOFLE) in March. This unit, comprising around 10,000 special forces, will focus on training and advising the Taiwanese military.
Meanwhile, the Taiwanese air force is being equipped with the latest F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, which have been used in the conflicts in Iraq and Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has also linked the Ukraine conflict to the US-China rivalry, stating that China will be watching the outcome of the conflict and will be influenced by the winner.
The escalation of tensions between the US and China has raised concerns of a potential conflict, with some experts warning of a “deadly trap” of the US engaging in a two-front war with both Russia and China.
The article was originally published on April 5, 2025, on the Rationalgalerie website.