TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator on Monday (Oct. 14) attributed China's military drills to President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) controversial remarks during his National Day gala speech on Oct. 5.
Tensions have escalated as the China's People's Liberation Army (PLA, 中共解放軍) launched the "Joint Sword-2024B" (聯合利劍-2024B) military drills earlier that day, focusing on sea and air combat readiness. The drills aim to test joint operational capabilities and deter "Taiwan independence" forces.
KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯) commented on the radio program "Qianqiu Wanshi" (千秋萬事) that Lai's speech on Oct. 10, the National Day celebration, though disorganized, did not deviate from former President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) narrative and did not show disorderly conduct.
However, Hsu stated that the president's speech on Oct. 5, the National Day gala, "Republic of China (ROC, 中華民國) could be the motherland for those over 75 in the People's Republic of China (PRC, 中華人民共和國)," sparking cross-strait and international confusion."
Hsu questioned whether there had been communication with the U.S. and international partners regarding Lai's statements.