President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, presided over the opening ceremony of the “National Defense University Advanced Military Officer Education Class of 116 (2027)” today, mentioning the increasingly severe threats and provocations from the Chinese Communist Party to neighboring countries. He emphasized the need for continuous upgrading and transformation of the military forces to become a new generation force capable of responding to various challenges.
This morning, President Lai Ching-te visited the National Defense University and expressed his delight in hosting the opening ceremony of the “National Defense University Advanced Military Officer Education Class of 116 (2027)”. In addition to congratulating the students for passing exams and embarking on a new learning journey, he also thanked all teachers and colleagues for their long-term dedication to military education, laying a solid foundation for the armed forces.
President Lai Ching-te pointed out the rapidly changing international situation, with the increasing threats and provocations from the Chinese Communist Party towards neighboring countries. He mentioned that artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and space technology are reshaping the future world and warfare. In the face of these challenges, strengthening self-defense capabilities and enhancing military professional skills are necessary to defend the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and safeguard Taiwan’s democracy, peace, and prosperity.
President Lai Ching-te stressed the importance of continuous upgrading and transformation of the military forces to become a new generation force capable of coping with various challenges. He highlighted that the success of the new generation forces depends on whether officers at all levels possess a broad perspective, professional knowledge, and unwavering commitment. The students, with their rich military experience, returning to campus today represent the nation’s higher expectations.
President Lai Ching-te emphasized that advanced education is not about accumulating degrees but about elevating levels of thinking, cultivating cross-service and cross-domain integration capabilities to prepare for assuming more significant responsibilities in the future.
He emphasized that the future new generation forces should not only have new training, new thinking, new equipment, and new technology but also prioritize people, use AI as assistance, focus on real combat requirements, and continually enhance the effectiveness of joint operations and asymmetrical warfare capabilities. Therefore, as the students embark on a new learning stage, he specifically outlined “Three Musts” to encourage everyone.
Firstly, actively cultivate international strategic thinking. The students are the future elite leaders of the military, expected to make good use of their learning to accurately observe and grasp international situations from a national interest perspective, Think beyond parochialism and prioritize national interests, and together plan and prepare for the building and defense of the military based on international strategic thinking.
Secondly, actively absorb new knowledge and be brave in innovating and changing. Technology is advancing and changing the way of warfare, testing organizational learning and rapid adjustment capabilities. He hoped everyone would actively engage with new knowledge such as artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles, information and communication integration, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and be courageous in reviewing existing practices, bringing learning and research results back to the troops to truly implement innovation in training, command, and decision-making.
Thirdly, be brave in assuming leadership responsibility and building team trust. The value of leaders lies not only in completing tasks but also in leading by example, understanding and utilizing the strengths and needs of every comrade, and balancing stringent requirements with sincere care. Trust-building, maintaining discipline, and building team trust and cohesion are essential to making correct choices at critical moments and completing various missions.
President Lai Ching-te reminded all military officers once again, “Although the world is at peace, forgetting about war is perilous.” He emphasized that the will to unite and defend sovereignty and safeguard peace in the Taiwan Strait must never slacken, and only by continuously strengthening national defense and investing in the military can peace be secured through strength.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, he promised that the government would be the strongest backing for the military, continuously investing necessary resources, improving the welfare and service environment for officers and soldiers, enabling everyone to serve with peace of mind and wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to defending the country.
He stated that today’s commencement is not only the beginning of a new learning journey but also the start of assuming future leadership responsibilities. He believed that after undergoing training at the National Defense University, everyone would be able to become an essential force for the military reform with a broader perspective, solid capabilities, and mature leadership qualities.
Finally, he wished all students smooth learning and fruitful outcomes, to translate what they have learned into action, turn responsibilities into strength, and together safeguard Taiwan’s democracy, peace, and prosperity.