TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Amid rising tensions, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) called for peace across the Taiwan Strait in a statement to the city council on Thursday (May 23).
This appeal came as the Chinese People's Liberation Army launched military exercises named "Joint Sword-2024A (聯合利劍－2024A) " around Taiwan and the Kinmen islands, signaling a stark warning against Taiwanese independence movements and foreign interference.
A Plea for Peace
Mayor Lu emphasized that the desire for peace is a common aspiration among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. She highlighted the need for wisdom and goodwill from leaders of both sides to achieve this goal. Her comments underscored the critical situation that has emerged, with military activities intensifying around the island.
Rising Military Tensions
The military exercises, which began at 7:45 a.m. on the same day and are set to continue until May 24, were described by the PLA as a punitive measure against Taiwanese independence efforts and a severe warning to external forces meddling in cross-strait affairs.
As the region faces heightened military activities, politicians from different parties calling for peace serve as a reminder of the fragile balance in cross-strait relations and the urgent need for dialogue and understanding to prevent conflict.