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The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release about reports that "Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced it will carry out military exercises around the periphery of Taiwan, and the Armed Forces shall continue to strengthen its vigilance" (April 8, 2023)

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2023/04/08

Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: April 8, 2023 at 18:40

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (8 th ) that Eastern Theater Command of the CCP announced military exercises around the periphery of Taiwan, and the Armed Forces shall continue to strengthen its defenses, alertness, and vigilance, adhering to the principle of "Not Escalating Conflict, and Not Triggering Fights", as it focuses on further training to deal with the enemy situation. Ground forces will carry out regular combat readiness exercises, and intensify regional joint defense and camp safety protection. The Air Force will also closely monitor and identify targets to boost air defense and contingent response.

The MND stated that the CCP has put into formations organized military aircraft and warships as they crossed the medium line of the Strait today from the north, center, and south. As of 16:00, a total of 71 CCP aircraft sorties comprising J-10, J-11, and J-16 jet planes, Y-20 jet-tankers, H-6K bombers, and KJ-500 air warnings were detected, of which 45 sorties crossed the median line and entered the southwest airspace. A total of nine vessel sorties were also discovered. The Armed Forces have adopted mission aircraft, vessels, and shore-mounted missile systems to closely monitor the situation.

The MND emphasized that the CCP is deliberately creating tension around the Taiwan Strait, aiming to only severely upset the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, and bring about regional unrest. Furthermore, these maneuvers also have a negative impact on the security of the international community and economic development. In view of such irrational actions, which are by no means what a modern and accountable country should do, the Armed Forces will maintain a high degree of vigilance, and closely monitor the situation around the Taiwan Strait to ensure it is prepared to enforce national security.