New Pres. Lai vows to safeguard Taiwan despite "external threats"

TOKYO, May 23 (KUNA) -- Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te on Thursday pledged to stand side by side with the military and safeguard Taiwan during a visit to a Marine base on Thursday afternoon, just hours after China launched two-days military exercises surrounding island, Taipei-based Central News Agency reported.
"My responsibility is to safeguard the nation and ensure the safety of all citizens," Lai said as he visited the 66th brigade of the Marine Corps in Taoyuan for the first time in his capacity as the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces.
In the face of "external challenges and threats, we will continue to defend the values of freedom and democracy, and protect regional peace and stability," Lai said, noting that he would "stand alongside" all military personnel and "protect national security." Lai reiterated his commitment to continue to push for defense reforms, bolster the country's defense capabilities, and ensure better care for all military personnel.
The president did not, however, directly comment on the previously unannounced military exercises launched by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday morning, just three days after Lai was sworn in.
The PLA kicked off a series of joint military exercises "in the Taiwan Strait, and the north, south and east of Taiwan Island, as well as areas around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin," according to reports by China's state media Xinhua News Agency.
Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin are all Taiwan-controlled territories in the Taiwan Strait close to China's southeast coast, the report said.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said it was closely monitoring the exercises and was taking response measures with its sea, air and ground troops, as it stands ready to safeguard Taiwan's security.
Such actions by China, initiated three days after Lai's inauguration on Monday, were a form of "irrational provocation" that would destabilize regional peace and security, the ministry said in a statement. (end) mk.mt