Taipei [Taiwan], January 1: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te warned on Wednesday that China's military exercises around Taiwan are part of a broader pattern and pose a threat to regional stability.
"Recently, from areas around Japan to the South China Sea, and now through incursions targeting Taiwan, China's authoritarian expansion and escalating coercion have brought significant uncertainty and risk to regional stability, while also affecting global shipping, trade and peace," Lai said at a general officer promotion and rank conferment ceremony.
Lai said that in recent days China has carried out military exercises in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. Taiwan's armed forces responded swiftly, showcasing their rapid reaction, flexible tactics and blockade-countering capabilities, he added.
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched surprise military drills, named "Justice Mission 2025," around Taiwan on Monday. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
