The recent convening of a national security meeting by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te can be seen as a response to large-scale drills conducted by Beijing’s forces around the self-governing island. In light of this situation, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo announced that the Taiwanese military is fully monitoring these exercises while simultaneously reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Karen Kuo emphasized the importance for China to acknowledge the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and respect the choice of its citizens in pursuing a democratic and free way of life. She vowed that Taiwan will continue to defend its constitutionally protected democratic system amidst external threats. In addition, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry condemned Beijing’s military drills as reckless actions that undermine regional stability. The island’s Defense Ministry also pledged to deploy necessary forces to respond and defend national sovereignty.
Beijing’s Eastern Theater Command stated that the joint Sword-2024B exercise involving the Army, Navy, Air Force and other branches of the military would take place north, south and east of Taiwan. The command explained this as a strong deterrent to “separatist forces seeking ‘independence'” and is deemed a legitimate and necessary action in defending national sovereignty and maintaining national unity.
The exercise aims to train sea and air combat readiness patrols, blockades of key ports and areas, sea and land strikes, and seizing comprehensive control to test the theater’s joint combat capabilities. The United States, Taiwan’s main backer, has expressed serious concerns about this situation, with US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller denouncing what he calls “military provocations” in response to a routine annual speech by Lai.
Lai previously criticized Beijing for claiming the right to represent Taiwan, stating that it is not “subordinate” to Beijing and that Taipei will resist any attempts at annexation or encroachment on its sovereignty. China, however, continues to view the self-governed island as a part of its sovereign territory. Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that reunification with Taiwan is inevitable, and the country does not rule out the use of force in achieving this goal.