President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, launched the “Ten Lectures on National Unity” speech series, with the fourth event in Taipei focusing on the theme of “National Defense.” Tsai called on all the people to stand united across political lines to support the national defense budget, aiming to achieve true peace through strength.
The “Ten Lectures on National Unity” by Tsai cover various topics including “Nation,” “Unity,” “Constitutional System,” “Diplomacy,” “National Defense,” “Cross-Strait Relations,” “Democracy,” “Peace,” “Prosperity,” and “Balancing Taiwan.”
During the fourth lecture on “National Defense” at an event in Taipei organized by the International Lions MD300A District 1, Tsai emphasized the purpose of national defense as outlined in Article 137 of the Constitution: to defend national security and maintain world peace.
Tsai highlighted the loyalty and dedication of the armed forces as mandated by Article 138 of the Constitution, emphasizing the unity and commitment of the military leaders to the nation and its people. He cited historical battles such as the Battle of Guningtou in 1949 and the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1958 as examples of the military’s strength in defending Taiwan.
The President praised the military for not only safeguarding the nation but also for their assistance in disaster relief efforts during natural disasters and health emergencies. Tsai expressed gratitude for the dedication of the armed forces and emphasized the collective responsibility of the people to support the military’s contributions to national security.
In efforts to enhance the welfare of the military, the government has increased military salaries, announced additional benefits for volunteers and combat units, and initiated projects like the “Xing’an Project” to improve living conditions for the military. Plans for the “Zhanxing Project” are underway to further elevate the quality of life for servicemen and women.
Tsai stressed the importance of caring for military families, including provisions for childcare assistance, medical care, and educational opportunities for soldiers and their dependents. Measures to strengthen the military’s capabilities and collaboration with nearby schools for educational purposes are also being prioritized.
In light of the growing military threats from China, Tsai urged the need for defense reforms to bolster Taiwan’s national security. He underscored the significance of aligning defense strategies with modern warfare concepts and technological advancements to enhance the military’s combat readiness.
Regarding Taiwan’s defense budget, Tsai highlighted the government’s commitment to increasing defense expenditure to bolster the nation’s security. He expressed gratitude to the United States for their continuous support through military sales and cooperation agreements, which have significantly enhanced Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
Tsai emphasized the importance of enhancing Taiwan’s defense industry to achieve self-reliance, citing advancements in military technologies such as the Yung-ying Trainer Jet and the Hai Lung-Class Submarine as examples of Taiwan’s progress in defense innovation.
In an effort to build a strong national defense, Tsai called for collaboration between the government, civil society, and local authorities to uphold the country’s security interests. He emphasized the importance of preparedness and unity among the people to ensure national security and strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Tsai highlighted the significance of maintaining a robust defense budget to signal Taiwan’s commitment to national security, both domestically and internationally. He warned against the implications of budget cuts on Taiwan’s defense capabilities and stressed the importance of projecting a united front in safeguarding the nation.
Tsai concluded by reiterating the government’s focus on strengthening national defense and promoting stability in the region. He emphasized the importance of preparedness, unity, and cooperation in defense matters to secure Taiwan’s peace and prosperity for the future.