TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait on Thursday (May 23), following China’s announcement of military exercises around Taiwan and its outer islands.

Taiwan Strait peace is “important for the security and stability of Japan and the global community,” Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa said at a press conference. A peaceful resolution must be sought through dialogue, Yoshimasa said.

Japan will “directly communicate with China” and “will clearly communicate our approach on this point” with the U.S. and other regional partners, the chief cabinet secretary said. He added that Japan will continue to monitor the situation.

Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) called China’s military provocations “regrettable.” “Maintaining regional peace and stability is a shared responsibility and goal for both sides of the strait,” Kuo said.

Taiwan has a handle on the situation and will continue to defend democracy, she said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement, pledging that Taiwan “will spare no effort in safeguarding the cross-strait status quo.” It also urged China to “return to reason and show self-restraint” and cease unilateral actions that hinder peace in the Taiwan Strait.  

China said it would conduct joint exercises in the Taiwan Strait, around northern, southern, and eastern Taiwan, and Kinmen and Matsu as punishment for "‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces seeking ‘independence’.”