TAIPEI: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude to the Air Force on Friday for their "outstanding" efforts during Chinese military exercises conducted around the island earlier this week, encouraging them to maintain their high standards. 

China's military stated that the war games held on Monday served as a warning against "separatist actions," pledging to take further measures against the democratically governed island, which Beijing asserts is part of its territory. 

During a visit to the Air Force headquarters in Taipei, Lai spoke via radio with what appeared to be a fighter pilot, identified by the call sign "Viper One," in a video shared by the presidential office. Lai expressed gratitude for the dedication shown towards the nation, urging continued vigilance in safeguarding the airspace over the Taiwan Strait to maintain national security. He concluded with a wish for a safe and pleasant flight, adding in English, "Happy landing.

In remarks made to air force personnel afterward, Lai commended their efforts, stating, "We were all on high alert during these Chinese exercises and did our best. The performance was outstanding. Thank you very much, and please continue your important duty to protect and defend our country."

Taiwan's air force, significantly smaller than China's, frequently scrambles to respond to nearly daily Chinese military missions in the area. On Monday alone, Taiwan reported detecting 153 Chinese aircraft, marking the highest number for a single day. 

October 18, 2024

Lai and his administration dispute Beijing's claims of sovereignty, and although he has repeatedly proposed talks with China, those overtures have been met with refusal.