Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te asserted Taiwan's sovereignty and independence from China during a keynote speech on Taiwan's National Day, October 10, which may spark military drills from China. Lai emphasized that the People's Republic of China cannot represent Taiwan and reiterated Taiwan's willingness to cooperate on global issues like climate change. His remarks come amid heightened tensions, as China views Taiwan as its territory and often responds to perceived separatist actions with military exercises. In response, China's Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of escalating hostility with his pro-independence stance. Concurrently, the United States and its allies, including the Philippines, Japan, and Australia, conducted naval drills in the region to demonstrate their commitment to regional security amidst these tensions. As China potentially prepares military maneuvers, Taiwanese officials remain vigilant, considering Lai's speech as a possible pretext for Beijing's aggressive actions.