TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US Department of Defense denounced China’s Joint Sword 2024B military drills around Taiwan on Monday (Oct. 14).
“This military pressure operation is irresponsible, disproportionate, and destabilizing,” Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said in a statement. Ryder criticized Beijing for taking “provocative, military action” in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) National Day address last Thursday.
China’s People’s Liberation Army launched the joint exercises on Monday to train sea-air combat readiness, blockading key ports and areas, and assaulting maritime and ground targets.
Ryder said that peace in the Taiwan Strait is a global concern and many countries are committed to upholding regional stability. “We will continue to work with allies and partners to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, despite the PRC's destabilizing behavior,” he said.
The press secretary reiterated the US “one China” policy, based on the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office called on China to accept Taiwan’s sovereignty on Monday, as the drills took place. “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.
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, the office added.
