Asia

American troops are most likely stationed on the outward islands of Taiwan to help train that nation’s military forces.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Taiwan defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng “hinted” at a U.S. military presence but evaded a more specific question about whether U.S. Army Green Berets were involved in training the Taiwanese military.

The news comes as U.S. Navy Admiral John Aquilino testifies that China, which is busy conducting a huge military buildup, plans to invade Taiwan by 2027.

China is building its military and nuclear arsenal on a scale not seen since World War II and all signs suggest it’s sticking to ambitions to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, Admiral John Aquilino who oversees @INDOPACOM testified to Congress. https://t.co/iG1Bgw1UJt

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) March 21, 2024

Newsweek reports that on Wednesday and Thursday, China “flexed their air muscles” while flying dozens of planes into Taiwanese airspace.

“The military aircraft were among 32 detected near Taiwan proper in the 24 hours to 6 a.m. on Thursday, according to Taipei,” the Newsweek report said.

China’s increasing aggression toward Taiwan could eventually impact hundreds of thousands or even millions of U.S. military personnel. The Stream will be closely watching this troubling situation in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Middle East

About 260 U.S. Navy sailors are deploying to Gaza to help construct a temporary port that President Joe Biden ordered for humanitarian relief purposes.

Military.com reports that 760 American military personnel are headed to Gaza, including 500 U.S. Army soldiers who will help build the temporary pier. The article also said the Navy will send “the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and the USNS 2nd Lt. John Bobo with enough watercraft and equipment to operate a huge floating dock three miles off the coast of Gaza.”

These 760 soldiers and sailors will be stationed on the outskirts of an active war zone as Israel continues its mission to destroy the Hamas terrorist organization. Please join The Stream in praying for the safety our nation’s troops.

March 20 Daily Red Sea Update

Between 10:10 a.m. and 7:40 p.m.
(Sanaa time,) on March 20, a coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned aerial vehicle and United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel, both… pic.twitter.com/KdK3BhHLc5

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 21, 2024

In the Red Sea, the U.S. military continues to battle Iran-backed Houthi terrorists who have been busy attacking American and foreign ships since October.

On Wednesday, U.S. Central Command announced that “a coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned aerial vehicle and United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel, both launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists.” Both enemy weapons were launched from Yemen, according to the military.

Every day, American forces in the Middle East are risking their lives to keep the rest of us safe from terrorism. Please ask God to shield them from danger and bring them safely home to their loved ones.

Coming Home

A group of Marines and sailors returned to North Carolina this week after deploying to Norway for a large joint NATO military training exercise.

U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy sailors return to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on March 20, 2024.

Welcome home, warriors! Thank you for serving our country overseas, and enjoy this well-deserved time with your families.

Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is the author of the forthcoming I Have Your Back, the recently released Be Bold and coauthor of Three Wise Men, Brothers Forever, 8 Seconds of Courage and Fire in My Eyes. Follow him on X @TSileo and The Stream at @Streamdotorg.