Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai said on Tuesday that mainland China's military exercises are the biggest root cause of regional instability.
Wednesday marks the two-year anniversary of President Lai Ching-te's administration. On Tuesday, Cho Jung-tai, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun, and Secretary-General Chang Tun-han attended the Executive Yuan's 520 press conference to present the government's recent achievements and future policy outlooks, and to answer questions from the media.
On Tuesday, the People's Liberation Army Navy announced that the Liaoning aircraft carrier group set out that day to conduct routine exercises in relevant areas of the Western Pacific, during which they would carry out drills including long-distance tactical flights, live-fire exercises, support and cover operations, and comprehensive rescue drills.
When discussing international and regional situations, Cho Jung-tai said: "The People's Republic of China continues to conduct military exercises of various sizes in the Taiwan Strait, the Indo-Pacific region, the South China Sea, and even around Japan, impacting navigation safety. This is the biggest root cause of regional stability being undermined."
Cho Jung-tai reiterated that the "Republic of China" is a "sovereign and independent country." This is a fact and the present reality, and it will not and cannot be changed.
He emphasized that Taiwan's goal is to achieve win-win cooperation with the world and hopes for peace and common prosperity across the strait. Aside from its sovereignty which cannot be infringed upon, he looks forward to both sides of the strait being able to resume healthy, sustainable exchanges in the future, and engage in dialogue on the basis of equality and dignity.