TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – People hope for regional peace and stability to continue, so they will not accept military maneuvers surrounding the country, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Thursday (May 23).

China announced Thursday morning it was starting two days of drills labeled “Joint Sword-2024A” involving land, sea, air, and rocket forces. The military exercises are seen as a reaction to the May 20 inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), whom China sees as a supporter of Taiwan's independence.

After attending a Cabinet meeting Thursday, Chiang said Beijing should restrain itself, while Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government should not let ideology take precedence, per CNA.

Asked how the military drills might affect plans to host the 2024 edition of the annual Taipei-Shanghai City Forum, the Taipei City Government quoted previous statements by Chiang saying that the higher cross-strait tension was, the more that exchanges between the two sides were needed.

Taipei stands by the principles of equality, respect, goodwill, and mutual benefit in organizing the city forum, said a city government spokesperson. The spokesperson added plans for the event would be submitted to the central government according to laws and regulations.