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MOFA calls on Beijing not to overact to Lai's trip
Taiwan's foreign minister is urging China not to 'overreact' to President Lai Ching-te's upcoming trip to allies in the South Pacific.
President Lai is set to visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau from 30 November until 6 December, marking his first overseas trip since taking office.
The Presidential official confirms that Lai's delegation will transit through Hawaii on their way there, and then stop over in Guam for one day before heading for Palau.
The arrangement has raised concerns that China could use this as a pretext for military drills near Taiwan.
Minister Lin Jia-long acknowledged the possibility of Chinese drills, as Beijing has previously responded to overseas trips by Taiwanese leaders with military actions.
But Lin assures that Taiwan's government has contingency plans in place and is coordinating with allies to address potential threats. Lin also highlighted the significance of the trip, as all three nations recently elected new leaders.
Yesterday Taiwan held air defense drills aimed to strengthen the country's air defense capabilities, and test response and engagement procedures.
According to the Air Force's statement, the drills were conducted from 05:00-07:00 and involved surface-to-air missiles, as well as Taiwan's flagship fighter jets including Indigenous Defense Fighters, the Mirage 2000-5 and F-16Vs, and also C-130H transport aircraft.
The statement added that the exercise was part of Air Force training designed to simulate realistic wartime scenarios and prepare for potential threats and challenges. The functions of the Joint Combat Operation Center are also tested during the exercises.
