Taiwan has reportedly deployed over 100 Marine Corps soldiers to Taipei International Airport (Songshan Airport) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capital’s defenses. The deployment is said to be part of a broader strategy to strengthen security in key areas around Taipei. 

According to local media reports, the military has deployed the 66th Marine Brigade to work alongside the 202nd Military Police Command to strengthen Greater Taipei’s defense.  

More than 100 Marines have been relocated from the Political Warfare Academy to Songshan Airport. The 66th Marine Brigade first established a presence in Taipei in 2017 when a battalion was stationed at the Political Warfare Academy.   

The latest deployment reportedly involves a company-sized force now positioned at the airport, a key transportation hub that could serve both as a strategic military asset and a potential target in the event of an armed conflict.

Moreover, on January 28, Defense Minister Wellington Koo visited the deployed Marines, as well as military police and Air Force personnel in northern Taiwan, on behalf of President Lai Ching-te. 

According to the Military News Agency, Koo expressed gratitude to the troops for maintaining high alert during the holiday, reinforcing the government’s commitment to national security.

In an article titled “No Holiday for War Preparation,” the Military News Agency showcased images of the Marines in action. One striking photo featured a Marine in tiger-stripe camouflage operating a 20mm autocannon mounted on a Humvee parked beside a China Airlines jet. 

Another image captured troops using a 40mm grenade launcher, with Songshan Airport’s civilian surroundings visible in the background, highlighting the integration of military forces within urban areas. 

These photos were shared with a caption highlighting that during the Spring Festival, as families reunite, the officers and soldiers of the national army remain steadfast at their posts, tirelessly fulfilling their duties day and night. 

That said, Taiwan’s decision to deploy Marines within the capital reflects a growing focus on asymmetric defense and rapid response capabilities. As tensions with China continue, Taipei is reinforcing its security architecture to deter potential incursions. 

Taiwan Strengthening Defenses In Greater Taipei

The latest deployment is part of a large defense strategy aimed at countering potential threats, particularly the risk of a “decapitation strike” by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

In recent years, China has intensified the deployment of fighter jets and warships around Taiwan while simultaneously attempting to isolate the island on the international stage by luring away its diplomatic allies and preventing its participation in global forums. 

With increasing concerns over a potential PLA attack, Taiwan is restructuring its defensive strategy. In addition to strengthening the Marine presence at Songshan Airport, the island nation is also boosting troop deployments to defend the Tamsui River and the Port of Taipei. 

These additional security measures are being implemented because both Songshan Airport and Taipei Port are viewed as key targets for China. 

While the security of Taipei has traditionally been managed by the military police, evolving security concerns have necessitated enhanced defenses in the area. This could potentially lead to a future joint defense arrangement between the military police and the Marine Corps.

The reports have indicated that the Ministry of National Defense has approved a plan to convert the 66th Marine Brigade into a strategic reserve force under the direct command of the General Staff Headquarters. 

This restructuring will enhance the brigade’s ability to coordinate with the 202nd Military Police Command to defend key government sites and respond to urban combat scenarios.

A critical challenge in Taipei’s defense has been a shortage of military police personnel. To address this gap, the restructuring plan integrates the Marine Corps into urban defense missions, ensuring greater manpower for security operations.

As part of a modernization effort, the 66th Marine Brigade is adopting a transformation model similar to that of the U.S. Marine Corps. The restructuring involves phasing out traditional tank and artillery battalions in favor of more agile and technologically advanced capabilities. 

In their place, the brigade will establish a dedicated drone unit for better surveillance and rapid response capabilities in a conflict scenario.

Taiwan’s naval forces are also set to undergo structural and organizational adjustments next year. These changes will include the integration of new anti-ship missiles, fast attack boats, and reconnaissance units into the recently established Coastal Defense Operations Command. 

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