Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has been visiting and thanking military divisions called to action to fend off China's military during large-scale "Joint Sword" exercises around the country this week.
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00:00It's been a busy week for Taiwan's military, facing up to large-scale Chinese military
00:05drills in areas surrounding the country. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-de is visiting this Navy
00:11base for mobile anti-ship missile launchers in northern Taiwan to thank troops for their
00:17response.
00:18More than 150 Chinese military planes took part in Monday's war games, and 25 Navy and
00:26Coast Guard boats came close to Taiwan's contiguous zone. Beijing said they were a
00:31warning against those seeking independence for a country it says is part of its sovereign
00:36territory.
00:37Lai put his military on high alert. They held positions at sea and in the air, and mobile
00:43missile system teams like this were deployed.
00:48Visiting divisions called to action this week. Lai also thanked the country's Air Combat
00:53Command Centre, responsible for scrambling jets to ward off Chinese incursions.
01:16Throughout the week, Lai has had one message for his country, that his government will
01:21stand up against provocative actions from China, and defend a free and democratic Taiwan.
01:27Today, he's showing his support for those that are on the front line of that battle.
01:33Ryan Woo and Rick Lowett in Taoyuan for Taiwan Plus.