TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) criticized China's military exercises on Tuesday (Dec. 30), describing them as inconsistent with the behavior of a responsible major power. The remarks respond to the People's Liberation Army's "Joint Sword-2025A" exercises on Monday (Dec. 29), which included live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait. The drills ran from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in waters to the north, southwest, and southeast of Taiwan, prompting Lai to emphasize collaboration between the national security team and armed forces.
In a Facebook post, President Lai stated that the military and civilians are one, emphasizing the importance of not falling prey to misleading information. Lai reiterated Taiwan's commitment to peace in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with international expectations for stability. The president urged citizens to remain calm amid provocations and disinformation, assuring them that the government would take a responsible approach to the situation.
Lai expressed gratitude to the coast guard and military personnel for their professionalism and dedication in responding calmly to threats from China's military exercises. The president highlighted their role in maintaining normalcy and security for the public during the heightened tensions. Lai acknowledged their tireless efforts, stating that they had spent countless days and nights protecting Taiwan's peace and the safety of its citizens.
Lai pledged not to escalate conflicts or initiate disputes with China, reinforcing that unity and vigilance against misinformation are Taiwan's strongest defense. The president's remarks come as Taiwan faces continued military pressure from Beijing, which views the self-governing island as part of its territory. Taiwan's government maintains that cross-strait stability serves the interests of all parties in the region. ◼