Taiwan: President Lai responds to China’s military drills

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te affirmed Sunday that his administration is prepared to respond to escalating tensions as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) initiated military exercises surrounding the island, including planned live-fire drills. The exercises, announced by the PLA on December 29, are intended to demonstrate resolve amid a period of heightened cross-strait relations.

The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command announced the “Joint Mission-2025” exercises would take place in the Taiwan Strait, north, southwest, southeast, and east of Taiwan. In addition to the broader drills, the PLA stated it would conduct live-fire shooting exercises in five designated areas and airspace surrounding Taiwan from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 30.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stated Sunday that its forces are closely monitoring the PLA’s movements and are conducting immediate readiness drills. Military and Coast Guard personnel are on high alert.

President Lai responded to the situation with a message posted on the Ministry of National Defense’s social media account, assuring the public that the government is prepared for any developments.

“We will not escalate conflict, nor will we provoke disputes, but we will firmly safeguard our national security and our democratic way of life,” Lai said. He also called on citizens to support Taiwan’s Coast Guard and military personnel. “We will not escalate conflict, nor will we provoke disputes, but we will firmly safeguard our national security and our democratic way of life.”（編輯：蘇龍麒）1141229

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