On May 23, the Chin
ese Communist military announced that the Eastern Theater Command organized land, sea, air, and rocket forces to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan and the surrounding islands of Kinmen and Matsu from the 23rd to the 24th. The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s actions as irrational provocation, disruptive to regional peace and stability, and stated that they have deployed forces and all personnel are on high alert to defend freedom and democracy.
In the early morning of the 23rd, the Chinese Communist military stated that from 7:45 on the 23rd to the 24th, the Eastern Theater Command organized land, sea, air, and rocket forces in the Taiwan Strait, northern, southern, and eastern Taiwan, as well as around Kinmen Island, Matsu Island, Wuchiu, and Dongyin Island to conduct the “Joint Sword – 2024A” exercise. The exercises focus on joint maritime and air preparedness patrols, joint seizing of comprehensive battlefield control, joint precision strikes on key targets, with ships and aircraft approaching Taiwan for patrols, demonstrating the joint operational capabilities of the theater forces in combat.
In response, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China expressed regret on the 23rd, for such irrational provocation and actions that disrupt regional peace and stability. The Ministry of National Defense has deployed naval, air, and ground forces in accordance with the “Military Contingency Handling Regulations during Continuous Military Preparedness” to safeguard freedom and democracy and defend the sovereignty of the Republic of China.
The Ministry of National Defense pointed out that in recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has continuously dispatched aircraft and ships to harass, causing substantial harm to global peace and stability. This military exercise, conducted under false pretenses, not only undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait but also highlights its hegemonic nature.
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that in the face of repeated provocations by the Chinese military, all personnel of the national defense forces are on high alert, upholding the will of “preparedness without seeking war, and readiness to fight without evading battle,” with the capability, determination, and confidence to ensure national security. At the same time, they urge the people to play a solid support role and consolidate unity in times of tense cross-strait relations, with military and civilians working together to build the key defense force and safeguard our beautiful homeland.