TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A national security official has warned that China may use Nanjing Massacre National Memorial Day on Dec. 13 as a pretext to escalate military pressure in the region, including the possible launch of a “Joint Sword-C” exercise.

The unnamed official was cited by Liberty Times on Monday as saying that if China cannot find a way out of its diplomatic impasse with Japan in the coming week, it may expand military threats to coerce Japan or other regional actors. 

When asked to comment on the official's prediction, National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) on Wednesday said that November and December are typically the peak season for Chinese military exercises, per CNA. He added that he is taking a cautious approach.

Tsai explained the CCP can transform routine maneuvers, such as joint combat readiness patrols and long-range maritime training, into targeted exercises simply by repackaging them and assigning specific exercise code names.  

He said his bureau will work with intelligence agencies and the Ministry of National Defense to monitor the PLA's movements. When necessary, cooperation with international allies will be initiated.