Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reiterated his pledge to support the armed forces and defend Taiwan as China began its two-day military drills, according to a report from Focus Taiwan. This commitment was given by President Lai on Thursday afternoon, just after China started its military exercises around Taiwan, during a visit to a Marine facility.
“My responsibility is to safeguard the nation and ensure the safety of all citizens,” President Lai stated during his visit to the 66th brigade of the Marine Corps in Taoyuan. This marked his first visit to the base in his capacity as the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces. He emphasized that in the face of external challenges and threats, Taiwan would uphold the values of freedom and democracy while striving to maintain regional peace and stability. Lai asserted his solidarity with all military personnel, affirming his commitment to protect national security.
Focus Taiwan stated that President Lai also reassured civilians of their safety and voiced faith in the military’s capacity to maintain national security. He reaffirmed his commitment to protect military people, advance defence reforms, and improve defence capabilities.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had begun joint military drills in a number of locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island, and the areas surrounding Taiwan-controlled territories like Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. Although the PLA had not announced its planned military exercises, Xinhua reported that the PLA had done so. Situated along China’s southeast coast are these areas.
Naval Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command, stated that the exercises were intended as a response to the “separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces” and a warning against external interference and provocation. However, specific details were not provided. As part of these drills, Chinese fighter jets conducted mock strikes against “high-value military targets” alongside naval vessels, including destroyers, frigates, and missile speedboats, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.