Lai's office said China should "respect the people of Taiwan's choice of a free and democratic way of life, refrain from military provocations".
It said maintaining peace and stability on both sides of the Taiwan strait is a "common responsibility".
"Our government will continue to defend our constitutional system of democracy and freedom. We are confident and capable of safeguarding national security," it said.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ military drills near Taiwan on Monday, the country’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
"On October 14, the PLA Eastern Theater Command dispatched its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct joint military drills code-named ‘Joint Sword-2024B’ in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island," the statement said citing Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson of the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command.
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Taiwan's transport ministry says air traffic and port operations remain "normal" despite the military drills off the coast.
ReplyDeleteIt says several government agencies are closely monitoring the situation in order to protect lives and property, as well as the smooth operation of traffic and transportation.
Public departure and arrival boards for Taoyuan International Airport, the island's largest airport, show some minor delays but no major disruption.
Footage released by the AFP news agency captures Taiwanese fighter jets taking off and landing at Hsinchu air base at the north-east of the island.
ReplyDeleteThey also filmed a military land vehicle being manoeuvred at the base.
Earlier, the Taiwanese defence ministry confirmed aircraft and ships have been deployed in response to the large Chinese military deployment off its coast.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning responded that "Taiwan has never been a country and will never become one, it has no kind of sovereignty at all."
ReplyDelete