Taiwan condemned China's "irrational and provocative behavior" after the country launched military drills around the island on Monday, saying it was a warning to the "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces."
The Chinese military's Eastern Theatre Command said it dispatched "its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force" to carry out the "Joint Sword-2024B" drills in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan. In response, Taiwan's defense ministry said it had "dispatched appropriate forces to respond accordingly to protect freedom and democracy, and defend the sovereignty" of Taiwan.
Last Thursday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to "uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty."
