On the occasion of the New Year in 2025, President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, visited the “Navy Sea Edge First Battalion” in Taichung this morning, and hosted the “Army Qingquangang Camp Completion and Inauguration Ceremony.” He thanked the national army for their round-the-clock dedication, guarding the homeland, and protecting sovereignty.
President Lai Ching-te was accompanied by National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Zhaoxie, Minister of National Defense Gu Lixiong, Army Commander Zhong Shuming, Navy Deputy Commander Ma Qunchao, Fleet Commander Wu Liping, and Commander of the Fifth Operational Zone Li Ronghua during this visit.
President Lai Ching-te first arrived at the Qingshui Camp in Taichung to encourage the “Navy Sea Edge First Battalion,” inspect the main battle tanks, and listen to a presentation on mobile vehicles. He then proceeded to the Qingquangang Camp to officiate the completion and inauguration ceremony of the barracks and inspected the recreation room and dormitories of the soldiers. At noon, he had lunch with key officials and soldier representatives and presented additional meal allowances to express gratitude for the hard work of the military brothers and sisters.
In his speech at the Qingquangang Camp, President Lai Ching-te expressed his joy at being at the Army Qingquangang Camp to host the inauguration ceremony of the new barracks and came specifically to thank the military brothers and sisters for their steadfastness in their positions, allowing the people to live in peace. Some of the barracks at the Qingquangang Camp have been in use for over 50 years, and former President Tsai Ing-wen specially promoted the “Xing’an Project” to allocate funds for the construction of new barracks to enhance the quality of life for officers and soldiers.
“Seeing the brand new buildings symbolizes our vision of creating a comfortable and high-quality service environment, but also witnesses our collective efforts,” Lai Ching-te said. He believes that the completion of the new barracks will allow soldiers to focus more on their training duties, enhance their sense of belonging to the army, and devote greater efforts to safeguarding the country.
President Lai Ching-te noted that this is the first “division-level” scale of the entire camp’s renovation project under the “Xing’an Project.” It not only includes the construction of integrated barracks buildings for living, training, and utility purposes, a joint dining hall, and a multi-functional convention center but also facilities for training and maintenance. The Ministry of National Defense, Armaments Bureau, and Engineer Corps have effectively created a “home for the troops” atmosphere. Meeting the mission as planned and of high quality, I want to show recognition and commendation.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, Lai Ching-te stated that the improvement of officers and soldiers’ living facilities is his top concern. On December 27, 2024, he also attended the completion and inauguration ceremony of the Army Liangshan Camp in Pingtung.
With the achievements of the “Xing’an Project” currently being implemented, President Lai Ching-te hopes that the people can see the tangible improvement in the living environment of the national army, and he also hopes to attract more high-quality talents to join the armed forces to strengthen their combat capability. The government will continue to be the backbone of the military and push for various reforms to enhance the overall service environment.
Earlier, he visited the Navy Sea Edge First Battalion to thank the hardworking naval officers and soldiers. He took this opportunity to once again express gratitude to the military brothers and sisters, including the 234 Mechanized Infantry Brigade, for their tireless efforts in guarding the homeland and protecting sovereignty regardless of day or night.
President Lai Ching-te emphasized that safeguarding the country and defending the people are the most critical missions of the national army. Currently, with the convergence of authoritarian forces such as the CCP, North Korea, Iran, and Russia, regional stability is facing challenges. “We pursue a powerful and peaceful country, love a life of freedom and democracy. The national army will always be the stable force protecting the country and the people. In this new year, let’s continue to safeguard national security together, allowing the people to live and work in peace, live together, strive together. Thank you all.”