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.