China’s Defense Ministry Spokesperson Wu Qian accused Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te of dragging the region towards war, stating, “This is completely playing with fire, and those who play with fire will eventually get burned.” The statement came on the second day of China’s military exercises around Taiwan, which involved 49 Chinese aircraft and 26 ships spotted near the island.
Wu criticized Lai for challenging the one-China principle and seeking Taiwan’s independence with external support. He affirmed China’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and warned that provocations would be met with escalating countermeasures until reunification is achieved.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported multiple Chinese aircraft entering Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone, with the Taiwanese military monitoring the situation.
The Chinese military exercises, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024A,” tested joint combat capabilities and aimed to deter foreign interference and Taiwan’s independence movements.