The People’s Republic of China (PRC) initiated large-scale military exercises around Taiwan in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech, accusing Lai of escalating tensions despite his restrained rhetoric.
Lai delivered his first National Day speech as president on October 10, which focused primarily on domestic issues and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to sovereignty and stability in cross-strait relations.
READ: North Korea Deploys Troops To Support Russia In Ukraine War
In his speech, Lai emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has established deep roots in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, and reiterated his stance that “the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other.” While avoiding direct mention of the PRC’s recent military actions, Lai stressed Taiwan’s determination to resist annexation and maintain sovereignty. He also expressed a willingness to cooperate with the PRC on issues like climate change and regional security, continuing Taiwan’s established policy of seeking peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) highlighted the continuity of Lai’s cross-strait policy and his efforts to promote dialogue and collaboration with the PRC, while reiterating that Taiwan and the PRC remain mutually non-subordinate.
READ: Hezbollah Vows Escalation After Israel’s Killing Of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar
However, the PRC framed Lai’s speech as a deliberate provocation. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the PRC’s Taiwan Affairs Office, accused Lai of promoting separatism and inciting hostility between Taiwan and the PRC. Chen criticized Lai’s reference to Taiwan’s independence and rejected the notion that the political divide between the two sides is a matter of democracy versus authoritarianism.
In response, the PRC’s military conducted a one-day exercise, “Joint Sword-2024B,” simulating a blockade of Taiwan just days after Lai’s speech. This was the second such exercise in 2024, with the first following Lai’s inauguration in May. The Chinese government and state media released a series of harsh statements, accusing Lai of pushing Taiwan towards disaster with his pro-independence stance. PRC Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian emphasized that the military exercises were a warning to Taiwan’s pro-independence elements, describing them as “a sword hanging over their heads.”
The exercises and rhetoric underline the PRC’s increased pressure on Taiwan and its continued commitment to reunification, while Taiwan remains focused on safeguarding its sovereignty and democratic way of life.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.