China's Airspace Violation Tests Japan's Vigilance and Surveillance Abilities”>Taiwanese President
Lai Ching-te has criticized China for its actions that undermine regional peace and stability. Lai, who assumed office in May, stated in a facebook post on October 14 that he had held a meeting with his national security team and was fully aware of the Chinese military’s activities as soon as possible. He reassured citizens that the government would continue to defend Taiwan’s democratic and free constitutional system, protect the country, and safeguard national security. Lai also expressed his belief that China’s military coercion against neighboring countries does not align with international expectations.China’s Eastern Theater Command launched “Joint Sword-2024B” drills in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas just hours before Lai made these comments. The Chinese regime described these drills as a stern warning against what it perceives as separatist acts by Taiwan independence forces.
Since Lai’s election victory in January, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has intensified its military pressure on Taiwan. In response to Lai’s remarks during his National Day speech on October 10, where he emphasized that communist China and democratic Taiwan are not subordinate to each other, Beijing took what it called a strong response.
China also dispatched its coast guard vessels for “law enforcement” patrols around Taiwan for the first time on October 14. The vessels circled the island in accordance with the CCP’s “One China” principle.
The United States criticized China’s military actions as unwarranted and potentially escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The European External Action Service also expressed concern over China’s exercises, emphasizing their negative impact on cross-strait tensions.
Taiwan detected 125 Chinese aircraft near its vicinity during this period—90 of which entered its response zone—a record number for a single day. Additionally, 17 Chinese naval vessels and 17 coast guard ships were spotted near Taiwanese waters.
Rush Doshi from the Council on Foreign Relations questioned whether this unusual activity by China’s coast guard vessels could be a prelude to future law enforcement actions—an escalation of significant proportions.
In June, a report by CSIS explored how China could use its coast guard vessels to impose quarantine measures on Taiwan—a move that would economically punish Taiwan while undermining its sovereignty.
The opposition Kuomintang Party expressed deep regret over China conducting military drills around Taiwan due to their potential impact on regional security.