Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited the Air Force Operational Command, Naval Mobile Fleet Squadron, and Coast Guard Fleet Branch today (18th), urging the troops involved in the Joint Sword Exercise. He emphasized that the completion of 11 large ships of over a thousand tons in the next 7 years signifies Taiwan’s confidence in safeguarding its territorial waters.
On the 14th, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese Communist Party announced the organization of army, navy, air force, and rocket forces to conduct the “Joint Sword-2024B Exercise” in the Taiwan Strait, northern and southern Taiwan, and eastern Taiwan. The CCP declared the end of the “Joint Sword-2024B” military exercise on the same evening.
President Tsai Ing-wen urged the troops involved in the Joint Sword Exercise this morning. He expressed gratitude to the coast guard and every member of the armed forces for their frontline dedication in safeguarding the people’s safety. He called for unity among the coast guard, armed forces, and national security to exert their greatest efforts in protecting national sovereignty, maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters, and safeguarding fishing rights. The government will support the armed forces and coast guard, ensuring they are equipped to face various threats with greater safety and confidence in defending the homeland and territorial waters.
Upon arriving at each unit, President Tsai Ing-wen received briefings on the exercise missions. He later had video calls to uplift two fleets participating in the military exercise. In his speech to the “Coast Guard Fleet Branch,” he commended the swift and successful completion of tasks by the army, navy, air force, and coast guard in response to the recent CCP military exercise. On behalf of all Taiwanese, he thanked all servicemen and women for their efforts in defending national security.
Previously, President Tsai Ing-wen visited the Air Force Operational Command and the Naval Mobile Fleet Squadron. He mentioned that several military personnel shared their experiences and diligence during duty, praising their alert responses and high morale.
President Tsai Ing-wen visited the Coast Guard Administration Coast Guard Fleet Branch to understand the mission execution. He commended the proactive and decisive attitude of the coast guard facing CCP provocations, emphasizing their dedication to safeguarding every inch of territorial waters. Given the complex and ever-changing maritime security environment, their responsibilities include protecting fishing rights, combating smuggling, preventing illegal immigration, and conducting maritime rescues. He acknowledged their efforts following the CCP military exercise, expressing gratitude on behalf of the nation.
President Tsai Ing-wen expects close communication and cooperation among the coast guard, armed forces, national security units to maintain unity and maximize efficiency. He emphasized the unwavering determination to protect national sovereignty, ensure freedom of navigation in international waters, maintain social stability and public trust, and protect fishing rights. He called for collective efforts towards these shared goals.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to support the armed forces and coast guard, stressing ongoing defense reforms. Over the next 7 years, 11 large ships over a thousand tons will be completed to enhance equipment capabilities for facing a variety of threats with improved safety and confidence in safeguarding territorial waters.
In conclusion, President Tsai Ing-wen once again thanked all coast guard members and every armed forces member for their 24/7 duty across different locations, diligently safeguarding the people’s safety on the frontlines. He extended his best wishes for good health, success in all endeavors, smooth work operations, and safe voyages.
Accompanying President Tsai during the visit today were Secretary-General of the National Security Council David Lee, Deputy Secretary-General Liu Te-chin, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng, Air Force Commander Hsiung Ren-yuan, Navy Commander Tang Hua, Mainland Affairs Council Chairperson Kuan Bi-ling, and Coast Guard Administration Director-General Chang Chung-lung.