Taiwan condemns Chinese military exercises, vows to maintain vigilance amid rising tensions

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) strongly condemned China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) exercises near Taiwan, denouncing them as “irrational provocations” that threaten regional peace and stability.

The MND rebuked the PLA’s announcement of “Joint Sword-2024A” military exercises in the sea and airspace around Taiwan. The ministry described these actions as undermining regional stability and immediately dispatched navy, air and ground forces to respond, emphasizing the defense of Taiwan’s sovereignty and democracy.

Highlighting China’s continued military oppression, the MND underlined the disruption it has caused to global peace and stability. It described Beijing’s practices as reflecting its “hegemonic nature” and reiterated Taiwan’s readiness to defend itself while expressing its commitment to peace, Focus Taiwan reported.

Emphasizing preparedness, the MND reiterated its principle of “preparing for war, not seeking war, responding to war, and not avoiding war”. It assured the public of the capability, determination and confidence of the armed forces in safeguarding national security.

Calling for unity, the ministry urged citizens to provide unwavering support and solidarity during this tense time across the Taiwan Strait. It stressed the importance of cooperation between the military and civilians to jointly defend the Taiwan homeland.

In response to rising tensions, the MND announced closer monitoring of Chinese military activities around Taiwan. Ground forces stepped up regional joint defense and military base security, while air defense and coastal missile units remained on high alert.

Focus Taiwan also reported that the MND’s statements reflect Taiwan’s firm stance in the face of increasing PLA pressure, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the region.

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched joint military exercises around Taiwan at 7:45 am (local time) on Thursday, Chinese state media reported.

The Chinese military is conducting exercises in the Taiwan Strait, in the north, south and east of Taiwan Island and in the areas around Kinmen, Matsu, Wukiu and Dongyin islands.

Li Xi, a theater command spokesman, said the theater command’s military services, including the army, navy, air force and rocket forces, are being organized to conduct the joint exercise, code-named Combined Swords-2024A, from Thursday to Friday.

Li said the exercises focused on joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, joint sea-air combat readiness patrols and joint precision strikes on key targets. he/she further said that the exercise included patrolling by ships and aircraft in the areas around Taiwan and integrated operations inside and outside the island chain to test the joint real combat capabilities of the forces under the command.

The spokesperson stressed that the exercise also serves as a stern punishment for the separatist acts of “Taiwan independence” forces and a strong warning against interference and provocation by outside forces, Xinhua reported.