Taiwan’s military cooperation with the United States is stronger than many people realize, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said, highlighting expanding exchanges with the U.S. Pacific Command as Taipei works to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing pressure from China. Speaking to a small group of reporters on Friday, Koo said Taiwan continues to deepen military cooperation with the U.S. Pacific Command through exchanges at multiple levels. “The cooperation between Taiwan and the United States may be much closer than many people imagine,” Koo said, expressing appreciation for Washington’s continued support. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory despite Taipei’s rejection of that claim, has repeatedly criticized military cooperation between Washington and Taipei. China has increased military activity around Taiwan in recent years, including expanded coast guard operations along the island’s Pacific coastline.