TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) Thursday (May 23) condemned the People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) exercises around Taiwan and its outer islands as an “irrational provocation.”
At 9 a.m., the MND said the PLA's Eastern Theater Command announced that it would conduct the “Joint Sword-2024A” military exercise in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The MND said the exercises are an “irrational provocation that undermines regional peace and stability.”
The defense ministry said it is “dispatching naval, air, and ground forces to respond." It said these actions are being taken to safeguard freedom and democracy and defend Taiwan's sovereignty.
The MND noted China has continued to send military aircraft and naval ships to harass Taiwan, which has “caused substantial harm to global peace and stability.” The ministry said Beijing's exercises disrupt stability across the Taiwan Strait and underscores China's “hegemonic nature.”
The ministry emphasized the armed forces are prepared. It stressed that it upholds the principle of "preparing for war, not asking for war, responding to war, and not avoiding war."
The MND said the nation's armed forces have the “capability, determination, and confidence to ensure national security.” At the same time, the ministry urged Taiwan's citizens to "serve as solid support and to unite and form a consensus during these tense times in the Taiwan Strait.”
The ministry closed by saying that by working together, the military and civilians can build a vital defensive force to “jointly safeguard our beautiful homeland.”
In a second press release at 10:50 a.m., the MND said the military and the Coast Guard are closely monitoring Chinese military activities around Taiwan.
The MND said that in addition to routine combat readiness exercises, ground forces are strengthening regional joint defense and military base security. Air defense and coastal missile units are also on alert.
