TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) announced on Tuesday (Oct. 8) that the military will enhance security monitoring on National Day, urging restraint from China. The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) revealed that China plans to launch a carrier rocket on Thursday (Oct. 10), which will cross Taiwan's air defense identification zone.
The ministry reported that from Monday (Oct. 7) morning to Tuesday (Oct. 8) at 6 a.m., 12 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operated near the Taiwan Strait. The military emphasized using mission aircraft, ships, and land-based missile systems for vigilant monitoring and response.
During a questioning session at the Legislative Yuan, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Yeh Yuan-chih (葉元之) questioned Premier Cho about the situation. Yeh noted that the defense ministry had just announced China's plans to launch a rocket and medium-range missile over Taiwan and asked how citizens should respond.
Premier Cho assured that Taiwan has a firm grasp of the "Joint Sword-2024B" situation, and the ministry's announcement aims to inform the public of its thorough understanding. Cho also highlighted that the Presidential Office has its assessments, and regardless of whether a formal national security meeting is held, Taiwan will increase its security alert on National Day.
As tensions rise, Taiwan remains vigilant. Authorities are closely monitoring developments to ensure national security during the upcoming celebrations.