TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Relocating the Army’s 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, better known as Sea Dragon frogmen, was a decision based on defense operations needs, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said on Tuesday.

Although Sea Dragon frogmen have been stationed in Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu, their main focus in the past was on Kinmen and Matsu, Koo said, per CNA. Due to new barracks and updated training plans, the majority of the battalion will now be concentrated in Penghu, he said.

The move aims to strengthen combat capabilities and bolster national defense resilience, he added.

When asked about US military training assistance, Koo said bilateral training follows normal procedures. Taiwan and the US understand that maintaining peace and stability in the region is a mutual interest, and military cooperation is conducted within this shared framework.

Last year, Koo said US Army Green Berets were training with Taiwanese counterparts in Kinmen and Penghu. The exchanges were taking place on a “regular basis” and involved mutual observation, learning strengths, and improving weaknesses, he said.