Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has thanked fighter pilots who scrambled against China last week during its war games around the island, as he was briefed on the events at a frontline air base on Tuesday.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visited the east coast air base of Hualien, home to Taiwan's most advanced fighter jets, the F-16Vs, on Tuesday to thank fighter pilots who scrambled during recent Chinese military exercises.
Lai praised the pilots for their dedication and vigilance in protecting Taiwan's national security. "I would like to thank all brothers and sisters for sticking to their posts and protecting national security," he said. "In recent days in response to the Chinese military exercises, everyone did a good job."
Lai's visit to the air base came as Taiwan continues to face military pressure from China, which claims the island as its territory and has vowed to bring it under its control, if necessary by force. China conducted two days of military drills around Taiwan last week in response to Lai's inauguration speech, which Beijing condemned as "provocative".
Taiwan has condemned China's military exercises as a violation of its sovereignty and has vowed to defend its territory. President Lai has called on China to engage in dialogue and resolve differences peacefully.
The Chinese military exercises have raised concerns about the potential for conflict between China and Taiwan, which is a major security issue for the United States and its allies. The US has called on China to refrain from provocative actions and has pledged to continue supporting Taiwan's self-defense.
Taiwan's military is significantly smaller than China's, but it has been investing in new weapons and training to enhance its defense capabilities. Taiwan has been converting 141 of the Lockheed Martin Corp F-16A/B jets to the F-16V type, and has also ordered 66 of the craft with new avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighters.
The F-16Vs can also carry Raytheon Technologies Corp's advanced AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
Taiwan's government says that as the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island, it has no right to claim it or decide its future. Taiwan's people have the right to determine their own future, and the government is committed to defending the island's freedom and democracy.
