Taiwan has condemned China’s recent two-day military drills around the self-ruled island as a “blatant provocation to the international order”. The drills, which took place shortly after Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te took office, were seen as a response to his inauguration speech, which China denounced as a “confession of independence”.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, views Lai as a “dangerous separatist”. The military exercises, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024A”, involved simulated strikes targeting Taiwan’s leaders, ports, and airports. Chinese military analysts reported that People’s Liberation Army vessels came closer than ever before to Taiwan’s shores during the drills.
In response, Taiwan’s presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the region, stating that China’s actions undermine the status quo and trigger concern and condemnation from the international community. She called on China to consider the safety and happiness of people on both sides and to cease political and military intimidations.
Despite having its own democratically elected government, military, and currency, Taiwan faces ongoing pressure from Beijing, which has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Kuo reassured the public that Taiwan’s president and national security team are monitoring the situation closely and urged citizens to remain calm.