TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office called on China to accept Taiwan’s sovereignty on Monday (Oct. 14), after the People’s Liberation Army announced a series of drills around the nation.

“China should face the reality of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and respect the Taiwanese people's choice of a democratic and free way of life,” the office said in a statement. It pointed out the global consensus of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific.

China should halt military activities that “undermine regional peace and stability” and target Taiwan’s democratic way of life, the office said. Taiwan remains committed to cross-strait dialogue and exchanges based on equality and dignity, it added. The office reiterated that Taiwan is ready to cooperate with China to ensure regional security and improve the well-being of people on both sides of the strait.

The office said President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) already held national security meetings Monday morning to discuss appropriate responses. Taiwan’s military and security team are closely monitoring the situation, it said. “In the face of external threats, our government will continue to defend the free and democratic constitutional system, with full confidence and capability to safeguard national security,” it said.

China’s drills come as Taiwan is set to conduct three military exercises later this month. The Army’s Chang Tai No. 19 exercise, the Navy’s Hai Chiang Exercise, and the Air Force’s Tianlong Exercise will all be held from late October to early November. The exercises aim to test Taiwan’s combat readiness and joint operations capabilities.

Meanwhile, the US Department of State issued a statement expressing concern over China’s drills. It labeled the maneuvers “unwarranted.” The State Department called on Beijing to cease activities “that may undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the broader region” and reiterated the US “one China” policy based on the Taiwan Relations Act, three joint communiques, and Six Assurances.