With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, Minister of National Defense of the Republic of China, Gou Lizhong, visited the southern region on the 14th to encourage the army and air force troops. On the 15th, he traveled to the Keelung area to inspect the Army Command Headquarters and the Navy’s 131st Fleet. During the visit, he gained insights into maritime surveillance and readiness, crucial infrastructure protection, and commended the diligent efforts of the officers and soldiers in training. He also inquired about defense planning, hoping to continuously improve readiness based on the results of exercises like the Han Kuang.
Amid the Chinese Communist Party’s persistent military threats against Taiwan, sending aircraft and vessels to provoke almost daily, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China released information on the movement of Chinese military ships and aircraft in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan on September 16. From 6 a.m. on the 15th to 6 a.m. today, they detected 8 Chinese military vessels, 2 government ships, and 12 planes crossing the median line to harass the airspace in the northern, southwestern, and eastern regions. The Taiwanese military closely monitored and responded using aircraft and coastal missile systems.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival nears, Minister Gou Lizhong, accompanied by Deputy Chief of Staff Huang Zhiwei, visited the Army Outskirt Camp and Navy Weihai Camp on the 15th to receive mission briefings, assess the readiness of troops and recent significant work, and present group bonuses to boost morale and show appreciation for the hard work of the military personnel holding their positions, wishing them an early happy holiday.
“Every sailor aboard a naval vessel faces the wind and waves, battling them with determination,” Minister Gou Lizhong praised the officers and soldiers of the 131st Fleet for their frontline dedication to safeguarding national security. He also expressed concern about living facilities and accommodations. Regarding tasks such as maritime surveillance, he provided guidance on defense planning, aiming to enhance readiness based on practical exercises like the Han Kuang.
During the inspection of the Guandu Command Headquarters, Minister Gou Lizhong emphasized the strategic importance of Keelung on the northern coast. The Command Headquarters is responsible for defense in the northern region and the protection of critical infrastructure. He expects officers and soldiers to stand guard day and night, protect the homeland, and urges all levels of leadership to strengthen care for individuals, provide emotional support, and work together to enhance the unit’s combat capabilities in defense of national security.
Earlier on the 14th, accompanied by Deputy Chief of Staff Huang Zhiwei and others, Minister Gou Lizhong visited various units including the Army Airborne Training Center, Air Defense Forces, and the Air Force’s Sixth Squadron. He received mission briefings and personally inspected training activities, distributed group bonuses, and comforted the hardworking brothers and sisters dedicated to training.
Minister Gou emphasized that solid training is the cornerstone of military strength, highlighting safety as a top priority. He stressed the importance of cultivating combat skills, strengthening leadership among officers, and boosting team morale. Unit leaders should continue to optimize personnel management and living environments, recruit top talent, and encourage a focus on readiness training. Minister Gou also praised the brothers and sisters undergoing parachute training for courageously accepting challenges, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to national defense, and demonstrating unwavering determination in safeguarding national security.