TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) called a national security meeting via video conference on Wednesday after South Korea’s martial law episode.
During the 40-minute meeting, Lai told Taiwan's national security team to maintain close contact with its democratic partners to monitor developments in South Korea, per CNA. National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄), and National Security Bureau chief Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) were among the Taipei officials on the call.
Lai instructed officials to assess the incident’s "potential risks and impact" on security, geopolitics, and economics in the region. Lai also asked national security officials to monitor and update him on military, diplomatic, and cross-strait events pertaining to Taiwan while he is away on his Pacific tour.
Lai called in from Guam as part of his first overseas trip as president to reinforce ties with Pacific allies amid increasing Chinese pressure. Security sources have told Reuters that Beijing may hold additional military exercises to coincide with Lai’s tour.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and anti-state activities. Six hours later, lawmakers pushed past soldiers into parliament and voted to strike down the decree.