Taiwan's President Expresses Gratitude to Pilots Amid Military Drills

President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan has expressed gratitude to fighter pilots who scrambled in response to military drills by China around the island. The drills were conducted as a "punishment" for Lai's inauguration speech, which emphasized the island's independence.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has expressed gratitude to fighter pilots who scrambled in response to military drills by China around the island. The drills were conducted as a "punishment" for Lai's inauguration speech, which emphasized the island's independence.

During a briefing at a frontline air base on Tuesday, Lai praised the pilots for their readiness and skills. "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 also received a detailed briefing on the pilots' response and the abilities of the Taiwan fighters. "Everyone is on standby in 24-hour shifts to perform air patrol missions," he said. "With firm determination and excellent combat skills, you are making full use of air combat power and protecting our airspace."

China, which claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, conducted two days of drills last Thursday. The exercises were condemned by Taiwan, which said they were a violation of its airspace.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Lai, however, has repeatedly rejected Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying that only the island's people can decide their future.

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.

The military drills have sparked concerns about the potential for conflict between China and Taiwan. The United States has expressed support for Taiwan's right to self-defense and has warned China against any unilateral action.

The situation between China and Taiwan is a complex and sensitive one. It is important to monitor developments closely and to support a peaceful resolution.

* Lai's visit to the Hualien air base comes amid heightened tensions with China.

* China has been increasing its military presence around Taiwan in recent months.

* Taiwan has been bolstering its defenses in response to China's growing military threat.

* The United States has called for calm and restraint from both sides.

* The international community is watching the situation closely.

* There are concerns about the potential for conflict between China and Taiwan.

* A peaceful resolution is in the best interests of all parties involved.

* The United States has a long-standing policy of supporting Taiwan's self-defense.

* The United States is also committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.