President Lai Vows to ‘Protect Democratic Taiwan’ as China Holds Military Exercises Encircling the Island

TAIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te criticized China for undermining regional peace and stability, after the Chinese military launched a new round of drills around the island. Lai, who took office in May, said in a Facebook post at noon on Monday that he had convened a meeting with his national security team and that his government had full knowledge of the Chinese military’s activities at the earliest possible moment. “In the face of external threats, I would like to reassure my fellow citizens that the government will continue to defend the democratic and free constitutional system, protect democratic Taiwan, and safeguard national security,” Lai said....