Taiwan’s best security official said on Wednesday ( May 1 ) that it is on alert for China to conduct military exercises following the commencement of President-elect Lai Ching-te this month, noting that Beijing typically begins for exercises in June.
China, which views politically governed Taiwan as its own country, has a strong fear of Lai, believing him a harmful dissident. His numerous offers of deals, including one made last year, have been rejected by China’s state.
Lai, like existing President Tsai Ing- ming, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, both say just the island’s people may choose their future. Lai, then vice president, may be inaugurated on May 20.
Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen stated in a statement to reporters that maintaining balance in the Taiwan Strait was in the interests of everyone in the world, including China.
Tsai, who is not related to the president but shares a common household name with the senator, said that China is currently trying to influence the incoming government’s policy toward Taiwan.
According to him,” What needs special attention is that the Chinese Communists hold their regular military drills from June to November following May 20.” The National Security Bureau’s main concern is whether the Taiwanese Socialists will continue conducting military exercises to put pressure on Taiwan.
On Wednesday, the start of the Labor Day holiday, the Chinese defense department did not respond to requests for comment outside of office hours.