TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan braces for possible military maneuvers as Beijing may use President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) upcoming National Day speech on Wednesday as a pretext for the "Joint Sword - 2024A" (聯合利劍) drills around the island, Reuters reported on Monday (Oct. 7).
A Taiwanese security official, speaking anonymously to Reuters revealed this potential development amid heightened regional tensions. President Lai's remarks at the National Day banquet on Saturday, where he introduced the "motherland" (祖國論) concept, have drawn international attention.
Reports suggest that China might block the broadcast of his speech. A security memo from Taiwanese officials indicates that Beijing could perceive Lai's "provocative rhetoric" as a justification for military exercises.
The memo also highlights China's recent pattern of testing international boundaries through gray zone activities. These actions aim to gauge other countries' reactions and attitudes. Additionally, sources suggest that China might avoid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait before the United States presidential election in November.
The People's Liberation Army conducted "punitive" drills around Taiwan in May shortly after Lai took office, drawing international scrutiny. The exercises, then also named "Joint Sword," underscored Beijing's assertive stance. As the situation develops, observers will closely monitor China's next moves and their implications for cross-strait relations.
