On October 14, 2024, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lai Ching-te, defended Taiwan’s democracy in his National Day speech. Following this, on Monday, October 13, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, simulating strikes against sea and land targets. The United States Department of State stated that the CCP’s military exercises in response to Lai Ching-te’s speech were unreasonable, and the U.S. will continue to monitor CCP actions.
The CCP’s Ministry of National Defense stated that Beijing demanded Taiwan recognize being ruled by Communist China, which Lai Ching-te refused to accept, and the military exercises were a response to his refusal. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense counteracted, labeling the CCP exercises as provocations, with the Taiwanese military ready to respond.
The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, expressed that the U.S. is monitoring CCP military exercises and found no justification for their actions following Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech.
In a statement, Miller stated that the U.S. is deeply concerned about the joint military exercises held by the CCP’s military forces in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. The military provocation in response to Lai Ching-te’s routine annual speech escalates risks and is illogical.
“We urge the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to act with restraint and avoid taking any further actions that may disrupt the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the broader region, which is crucial for regional peace and prosperity and a matter of international concern,” he said.
Miller emphasized that the U.S. will continue to monitor Communist China’s activities and coordinate with allies and partners on shared concerns. He reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to a One China policy guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communique, and the Six Assurances.
The Taiwan Presidential Office stated in a declaration that the CCP should acknowledge the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and respect the Taiwanese people’s choice of a free and democratic way of life.
The statement emphasized that the CCP should “refrain from engaging in military provocations that undermine the peace and stability of the region and threaten Taiwan’s democratic freedom.”
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council stated that the recent CCP military exercises and refusal to renounce the use of force are blatant provocations that seriously undermine regional peace and stability.
The Taiwan Stock Exchange paid little attention to the CCP’s military exercises, with the benchmark index rising by 0.4% in early trading. There were no signs of panic among the Taiwanese public.
“I’m actually worried that either side could accidentally fire, but I have confidence in our country and our military,” said Ben Lai, a 51-year-old financial worker, to Reuters while watching Taiwanese fighter jets take off and land at the Hsinchu Air Force Base.
On Sunday, the Liaoning aircraft carrier battlegroup of the CCP sailed through the strategic strait of Bashi towards the southern part of Taiwan. The Bashi Strait separates Taiwan from the Philippines and links the South China Sea with the Pacific Ocean.
Since last Thursday, CCP state media has published a series of reports and commentaries condemning Lai Ching-te’s speech. The Eastern Theater Command released a video on Sunday, stating they are “combat ready.”
Between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. local time on Monday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense detected 25 CCP aircraft, with 16 of them crossing the median line of the strait. The Ministry reported a total of seven CCP warships and additional coast guard ships near the Taiwan Strait.
Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, told The Washington Post regarding Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech, “No matter how restrained (Lai Ching-te’s speech) was, it doesn’t matter.”
He mentioned that the exercises are part of Beijing’s ongoing pressure on Taiwan, aiming to “get Taiwan to submit.” He also pointed out that the CCP, using Lai Ching-te’s speech as an excuse, is attempting to demonstrate that they are not aggressors and not seeking unilateral changes in the status quo.
In its own statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said that President Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech highlighted the current state of cross-strait relations and the firm determination to maintain peace, stability in the Taiwan Strait, and the well-being of the people. It also proposed future cooperation between the two sides in addressing climate change, epidemic prevention, and other aspects to pursue peace and prosperity, all of which are positive and constructive propositions. The CCP’s so-called “provocations” are completely contrary to the facts.