Taiwan is on alert for China to carry out military exercises after the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te this month, the island's top security official said on Wednesday, noting that Beijing usually begins such drills in June.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has a strong dislike of Lai, believing him a dangerous separatist. China's government has rejected his repeated offers of talks, including one made last week.
Lai, like current President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims; both say only the island's people can decide their future. Lai, now vice president, will be inaugurated on May 20.
Speaking to reporters at parliament, Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait was in the interests of everyone in the international community, including China.
China's defence ministry did not answer calls seeking comment outside of office hours on Wednesday, the start of the Labour Day holiday.
China's military has during the past four years massively increased its activities around Taiwan.
In 2022, China carried out major war games near Taiwan after a visit to Taipei by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and again last year after President Tsai met then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on a stopover in California.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
If you were a leader, how would you respond to external pressures that challenge your country's sovereignty and independence?
@9LZRV3P2wks2W
I would not be friendly with them, and if they ever made an attempt there wpuld be a strong response.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
How important is it for a people to decide their own future, and what should happen when another nation disagrees with this choice?
@9LZRV3P2wks2W
It is very important because life is nothing without freedom. If another Nation disagrees with this choice they are not good, but we shouldn't get involved as we have our own issues at play.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
Do you think a nation's military drills near another country are a show of strength or a provocation?
@9LZRV3P2wks2W
Possibly. Depends on the tensions, it could be a sign of aggression too.
@9LZRQXCRepublican2wks2W
I believe they’re a sign of strength because it’s like saying “Hey look at us and how massive and strong our army is, you better be afraid of us!” and “You better watch yourself because we’re gonna be coming for you if you attack us.”
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