The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 is bringing together 31 nations, more than 25,000 personnel and some of the world’s most advanced naval forces for the largest maritime exercise on the planet. The drills come at a time of growing tensions across the Indo-Pacific, with China excluded from the exercise for a fourth consecutive iteration and Taiwan once again left on the sidelines, despite repeated support from members of the US Congress. At the same time, questions are mounting over how closely the US and Taiwan could actually operate together in a crisis and whether existing military cooperation is enough to close critical interoperability gaps. In this episode, we examine what RIMPAC reveals about deterrence, coalition-building and the evolving state of US-Taiwan defense cooperation.
Summary
The Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2026 assembles thirty-one nations, over twenty-five thousand personnel, and advanced naval forces for the largest maritime drill globally. These exercises occur amidst rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. China remains excluded from the event for a fourth consecutive iteration, while Taiwan is again absent despite ongoing support from members of the US Congress. The episode explores how these drills reflect current deterrence strategies, coalition-building efforts, and the evolving nature of defense cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. Questions persist regarding the extent to which the two can operate together during a crisis and whether existing military ties sufficiently address critical interoperability gaps. Recorded on June 18, 2026, the discussion features guests from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research who analyze what RIMPAC reveals about regional security dynamics. The conversation covers whether the drills serve primarily as training or strategic messaging, reasons behind China's disinvitation related to aggression, factors preventing Taiwan's participation, and potential expansions in US-Taiwan cooperation.
