Taiwan has vowed to defend its sovereignty after China launched major military drills near the island. Beijing fired rockets toward Taiwan during large-scale exercises. The move raised regional and international concern at the start of the New Year.
President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan is determined to protect its sovereignty and strengthen its defence. He made the remarks in a New Year speech from the presidential office in Taipei. Lai said the world is watching Taiwan’s resolve to defend itself.
He added that China’s drills targeted Taiwan’s new combat capabilities. Therefore, he urged lawmakers to support a $40 billion defence spending increase. However, the proposal remains stalled in an opposition-controlled parliament.
Meanwhile, China rejected Lai’s remarks and accused him of misleading the public. Beijing said the drills, named “Justice Mission 2025,” showed its growing combat readiness. The exercises included rockets, warships, and aircraft operating close to Taiwan.
Read more: China launches largest military drills near Taiwan
Taiwan condemned the drills as a threat to regional security. Several commercial flights were cancelled, while Taiwanese forces monitored the exercises. The drills followed a recent US arms package for Taiwan, increasing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.