2024/01/09
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining reports of "the launch of a Long March series of carrier rockets by the CCP this afternoon (9th) and the release of relevant warning messages" (January 9, 2024)
Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: January 9, 2024 at 20:50
In response to the launch of a Long March series of carrier rockets by the CCP this afternoon (9th) and the release of relevant warning messages, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has elaborated as follows:
1. As of 15:03 pm today, the MND detected a Long March carrier rocket launched by the CCP at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center entering our air defense identification zone. It then passed from Tainan to Taitung after leaving our air defense identification zone. Considering the actual flight path was different from the satellite launch path predicted by the US Federal Aviation Administration and its abnormal flight trajectory, the Armed Forces immediately mobilized the national warning system to issue air threat warnings and text messages to alert our nationals to mitigate any risk on the ground.
2. The rocket launch by the CCP was confirmed by booster rocket debris located within China. Conditions were considered normal.
3. Regarding the authority and responsibility for issuing early warning messages, national air defense warnings are released by the commander of the Joint Operations Command Center in accordance with emergency response regulations of the Armed Forces to ensure the timeliness of such warnings, taking into account enemy threats. Related operations are carried out based on national security, and are handled professionally and with authority, without interference from party politics.
4. In accordance with the law, the MND will comprehensively monitor and appropriately deal with any aviation threat to our air defense identification zone and airspace without permission or application. It will also release announcements in a timely matter as appropriate and activate early warning systems as necessary so nationals are aware of the situation.
5. The MND apologizes to the public for the incorrect choice of English diction and inaccurate expressions during this period, and will conduct an in-depth review to improve operation procedures.