Taiwan’s president vows to stand with military, defend nation despite Chinese “external threats”

As China began its two-day military drills, Taiwan President Lai Ching-tey pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with the military and defend Taiwan, Focus Taiwan reported.

Taiwan’s president made the pledge during a visit to a Marine base on Thursday afternoon, hours after China began two-day military exercises around Taiwan.

“My responsibility is to defend the country and ensure the safety of all citizens,” Lai said, visiting the Marine Corps’ 66th Brigade in Taoyuan for the first time as commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces. ,

“In the face of external challenges and threats, we will continue to defend the values ​​of freedom and democracy and safeguard regional peace and stability,” Lai said. he/she said he/she would “stand by” all military personnel and “protect national security.” ,

Lai reassured all citizens and expressed confidence in the military’s ability to stand firm on its positions and work to ensure national security, Focus Taiwan reported.

he/she reiterated his/her commitment to pursue defense reforms, strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and ensure better care for all military personnel.

However, Lai did not comment directly on the previously unannounced military drills launched by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday morning.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched a series of joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, north, south and east of Taiwan Island and areas around Kinmen, Matsu, Wukiu and Dongyin islands from 7:45 am. Xinhua gave this information on Thursday.

Kinmen, Matsu, Wukiu and Dongyin are all Taiwan-controlled areas in the Taiwan Strait near China’s southeast coast, Focus Taiwan reported.

Senior Navy Captain Li Shi, a spokesman for China’s PLA Eastern Theater Command, said the drills were aimed at “stern punishment for the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and a strong warning against interference and provocation by outside forces”. Detailed

As part of the exercises, dozens of Chinese warplanes carrying live ammunition carried out simulated strikes against “high-value military targets” of the “enemy” along with destroyers, frigates and missile speedboats, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV .