In response to the live-fire exercises conducted by the Chinese Communist Army in the waters near Pingtan, Fujian on October 22, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China stated that this activity is part of the annual routine drills of the Chinese Communist Army and that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation. Premier Su Tseng-chang mentioned that such actions not only disrupt regional peace and stability, but also lead to unnecessary tension.
The Fujian Pingtan Maritime Affairs Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party issued a navigation warning on the 21st, stating that live-fire exercises will take place in certain coastal areas near Niushan Island in Pingtan from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 22nd, and all vessels are prohibited from entering the area. Previously, on the 14th, the Chinese Communist Party conducted military exercises around Taiwan and announced the conclusion of the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercises in the evening.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China released a press release today in response to the announcement by the Pingtan Maritime Affairs Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, which indicated that live-fire exercises would be conducted in the prohibited navigation zone near Niushan Island. The Ministry stated that this activity is one of the routine annual training exercises of the Chinese Communist Army. The Ministry closely monitors the situation through the Joint Intelligence Surveillance System and analyzes their military activities and intentions.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China stated that this action may be part of a strategy to combine with the dynamic situation in the Taiwan Strait to enhance deterrence. The military strictly follows the principle of being prepared for any potential threats and closely monitors and responds appropriately.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Zhangzhou and Xiamen in Fujian on the 15th and 16th, including a visit to Dongshan Island, a key location for Chinese military exercises against Taiwan.
Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China released information on the activities of Chinese aircraft and ships. From 6 a.m. on the 21st to 6 a.m. today, they detected 17 instances of Chinese aircraft (with 11 instances crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the airspace of northern, central, and southwestern Taiwan) and 9 Chinese ships continuing to operate around the Taiwan Strait. The military uses aircraft and missile systems to closely monitor and respond to these activities.
The Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China continued to conduct questioning of Premier Su Tseng-chang’s governance report today. Prior to the meeting, Su Tseng-chang mentioned in a media interview that Taiwan, like all democratic alliance countries in the world, considers this a threat to regional peace and stability. Regardless of the scale of the exercises, frequent and pointless displays of force near Taiwan should be avoided, as they will only lead to unnecessary tension.
Su Tseng-chang emphasized that similar to previous Chinese exercises, the Ministry of National Defense and the military will be fully prepared, ensuring that no unexpected incidents will occur. Their responsibility is to guarantee Taiwan’s sovereignty and the safety of its people.
President Tsai Ing-wen visited the Air Force Combat Command, the Naval Command’s Mobile Vehicle Unit, and the Coast Guard Fleet Subdivision on the 18th, urging the forces to be prepared for the Joint Sword exercises. She noted that in the next seven years, Taiwan will complete the construction of 11 large vessels of over 1,000 tons, expressing confidence in safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters.