In response to the announcement of the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command initiating the “Joint Sword-2024B” military exercise aimed at surrounding Taiwan, Taiwanese legislator Chen Guanting expressed his views, stating that the PLA’s military drills present an opportunity for Taiwan to enhance its response capabilities and raise awareness among neighboring countries, ultimately strengthening cooperation among the United States, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
Legislator Chen Guanting shared his insights today regarding the PLA’s military actions, highlighting the pressure it poses on Taiwan but also emphasizing that it provides an opportunity for Taiwan to practice countermeasures and strengthen civil-military cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of continually improving response capabilities in the face of such pressure. Specifically, he suggested enhancing civil defense systems, mobilizing civilian forces, and coordinating responses while improving alert systems to ensure timely and effective notifications.
Regarding the improvement of alert systems, Chen Guanting proposed that Taiwan could develop an application similar to Israel’s Home Front Command app. This app could offer real-time safety alerts, official instructions, and customized alerts based on users’ locations, ultimately raising public safety awareness and response capabilities to ensure Taiwan’s security and regional peace and stability.
Chen Guanting pointed out that the PLA’s military actions may have unintended consequences. He noted that such military exercises by the PLA could lead to stronger cooperation among the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, paving the way for a strengthened “Western Pacific Security Partnership” that China needs to consider.
According to a press release from Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration under the Ocean Affairs Council, four formations of the Chinese Coast Guard, including 2901, 1305, 1303, and 2102, conducted patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan without entering restricted areas. The Coast Guard Administration promptly established a response center and deployed online patrol vessels for monitoring in response.
In response to the Chinese Coast Guard’s claims of conducting law enforcement patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan, Chen Guanting urged Chinese authorities to understand the sentiments of the Taiwanese people. He stressed that such actions from China would only further alienate the people of Taiwan, who will continue to choose closer cooperation with allies like Japan, the United States, and potentially the Philippines in the future.
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) issued a statement expressing concerns over the PLA’s joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. The U.S. deemed China’s military provocations in response to routine exercises as unreasonable and pointed out the risks of escalating tensions. The U.S. urged China to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions.
The AIT emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions for regional prosperity and international concern. The U.S. continues to monitor China’s actions while coordinating with allies and partners who share concerns regarding the matter. The AIT reaffirmed the U.S.’s longstanding adherence to the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Communiqués, and the Six Assurances as the guiding principles of its One-China policy.
In conclusion, Chen Guanting highlighted that each of China’s exercises carries both intended and unintended consequences. The counteractions resulting from these exercises will draw Taiwan closer to the U.S., Japan, Europe, and other countries, solidifying and strengthening alliances.
He advised the public not to be overly anxious, viewing the situation as an opportunity to test Taiwan’s defense capabilities and put training into practice during peacetime to ensure preparedness for potential conflicts.