2023/09/19
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release stating that CCP forces have continued to harass the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas, and such provocative actions have caused heightened tensions (September 19, 2023).
Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: September 19, 2023 at 09:45
The Ministry of National Defense stated today (19th) that from the 18th to the 19th , it had detected a total of 55 sorties of CCP aircraft and seven CCP warship vessels, which continued to infringe upon the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. Such provocative actions are likely to become initiators that trigger rising tensions and deteriorate regional security. During this period, servicemen of the Armed Forces responded appropriately and calmly with the mindset as "Preparing for war, but not inviting war." The Armed Forces is also implementing training requirements to integrate combat drills based on actual combat scenarios to render every effort in enhancing its defense capabilities.
The MND reiterated that the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are a matter of serious concern related to the security, prosperity, and wellbeing of the Indo-Pacific region, and is the collective responsibility of all parties in the region. As such, we should like to call upon the Beijing authorities to take their due responsibility and immediately stop such unilateral actions that undermine the status quo.