2024/05/23
The Ministry of National Defense issued a press release explaining the "announcement of the Joint Sword-2024A exercise by the CCP" (May 23, 2024)
Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: May 23, 2024 at 08:50
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (23rd) that the Eastern Theater Command of the CCP has announced that it will carry out the "Joint-Sword-2024A" military exercise in the peripheral sea-water and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The MND expresses its regret over such irrational provocations and actions which undermine regional peace and stability. The MND shall work in accordance with the Regulations for Handling Emergency Situations by the Armed Forces during Regular Combat Readiness, and dispatch sea, air, and ground troops for response. The MND will also adopt practical action and maneuvers to safeguard the freedom, democracy, and sovereignty of the Republic of China.
As pointed out by MND, Communist China has persistently dispatched aircraft and warships to harass the region in recent years, which has caused substantial damage to global peace and stability. Making use of this pretext and occasion to conduct military exercises not only compromises peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but also highlights the hegemonic nature of its actions.As pointed out by MND, Communist China has persistently dispatched aircraft and warships to harass the region in recent years, which has caused substantial damage to global peace and stability. Making use of this pretext and occasion to conduct military exercises not only compromises peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but also highlights the hegemonic nature of its actions.
With emphasis by the MND, all service personnel of the Armed Forces are prepared to face the challenges of such hostility of repeated advances by the CCP, and have upheld and adhered to the strong will and determination of "preparing for war but not provoking it, and responding, not avoiding." Our service personnel are capable, determined, and confident in their duty to safeguard the safety and security of our homeland. The MND would also like to urge our nationals to offer their strong support and solidarity at this critical time of severity across the Strait and allow the military and civilians to work together as a key force for defense operations and to protect our beautiful homeland.