Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Responds to China’s Military Drills
In response to China’s large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te reassured the public of the government’s commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy and national security. Following a high-level national security meeting, Lai shared his thoughts on Facebook, addressing the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) military drills named “Joint Sword-2024B” in the Taiwan Strait. These exercises were described as a “stern warning” to those supporting Taiwan independence.
Just days after his Double Ten National Day speech, where Lai emphasized that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has “no right to represent Taiwan,” he criticized Beijing’s actions as attempts to intimidate neighboring countries and disrupt regional peace. Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and expressed openness to cooperation with China on shared interests like pandemic prevention.
During the military exercises, China deployed a record 125 aircraft, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning, with 90 aircraft detected within Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Despite these actions, shipping traffic continued normally. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned China’s provocations, which threaten regional peace and stability, and called for international support for democratic Taiwan.
National Security Council Secretary General Joseph Wu criticized the drills as “inconsistent” with international protocols, highlighting the need for peaceful dispute resolution. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported deploying warships and mobile missile units for surveillance. Residents in Taipei remained calm, with some expressing familiarity with such military exercises.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China considers it a part of its territory.
Lai Ching-te -: Lai Ching-te is the President of Taiwan. He is responsible for leading the country and making important decisions, especially during times of tension like military drills.
China’s Military Drills -: Military drills are exercises conducted by a country’s armed forces to practice and show their strength. China’s military drills around Taiwan are seen as a way to show power and possibly intimidate Taiwan.
Democracy -: Democracy is a system of government where the people have the power to choose their leaders through voting. Taiwan values its democratic system, where citizens have a say in how the country is run.
Beijing -: Beijing is the capital city of China. When people refer to Beijing in political contexts, they often mean the Chinese government.
Regional Peace -: Regional peace refers to the absence of conflict or war in a specific area, in this case, the region around Taiwan and China. Maintaining peace is important for the safety and stability of the people living there.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs -: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a part of the government that deals with a country’s relationships with other countries. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for managing its international relations and responding to foreign actions.
International Support -: International support means getting help or backing from other countries. Taiwan seeks support from other nations to stand against actions it sees as threatening from China.
Taipei -: Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, where many important decisions are made.