Taiwanese President William Lai vowed to "protect democratic Taiwan" against the background of large-scale military maneuvers conducted by China, reported France Presse, quoted by BTA.
"In the face of external threats, I would like to assure my countrymen that the government will continue to protect the democratic and free constitutional system, protect a democratic Taiwan and ensure national security," Lai said on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's coast guard said it had arrested a Chinese national after an "infiltration" on one of Taiwan's outlying islands, amid ongoing military maneuvers around the main island.
"It cannot be ruled out that this clandestine attempt aboard a small boat could be a 'grey area' incursion related to Chinese military exercises,'' the Coast Guard said in a statement. The term "gray area" is used in international relations for maneuvers that do not lead to open war.
The arrested man had illegally crossed in an inflatable boat to Tiger Island, part of an island group located a few kilometers from the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen, but under the control of Taipei. Video released by the Coast Guard shows officers arresting the man before putting him on a boat. The Coast Guard has increased vigilance and is monitoring the situation continuously.