With the arrival of the Dragon Boat Festival, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lai Ching-te emphasized the preciousness of freedom and democracy, which requires constant vigilance and strength to safeguard. He urged the national military to pay special attention to the importance of defense and secrecy.
President Lai Ching-te recently visited the Naval Air Antisubmarine Command in Kaohsiung and recorded a video message for the military called “Juguang Garden” for the Dragon Boat Festival, which was broadcast this afternoon. The program showed President Lai Ching-te acknowledging the dedication and responsible attitude of the soldiers on duty, expressing concern for their work, family conditions, and leisure activities.
In recent years, President Lai mentioned that the government has been promoting the Xing An Project since the tenure of former President Tsai, systematically renovating old barracks nationwide and adjusting the treatment of military personnel. The Republic of China Armed Forces have not only improved their equipment and training, but also encourage young soldiers to continue their military careers.
President Lai expressed his delight in meeting with the brothers and sisters of the Naval Air Antisubmarine Command before the Dragon Boat Festival. He commended the critical role of the command in antisubmarine operations, surveillance, and joint operations in the air and sea battles, emphasizing their contribution to enhancing Taiwan’s asymmetrical warfare capabilities.
Soldiers reported experiencing significant improvements in facilities and space after moving into newly constructed barracks. In response, President Lai expressed his satisfaction in seeing the quality of military facilities and training greatly enhanced and improved, feeling proud of everyone’s progress.
President Lai emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and stability of the military personnel and their families, as they are the foundation of the overall combat capability. As the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, he emphasized his responsibility to care for the military and pledged to continually improve training environments and welfare systems for safe and dignified service.
Addressing the frequent encounters with incursions by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the gray areas during maritime duties, President Lai shared the importance of the “Five Major National Security and United Front Threats and Seventeen Response Strategies” with the military personnel.
President Lai stressed the consistent ambition of the CCP toward Taiwan and its recent attempts to disrupt daily life and sovereignty through hybrid means in the gray area. He emphasized the need for vigilance, proactive responses, and responsible strategies to counteract these threats.
President Lai believed that regardless of the motivations for joining the military, all military personnel share a love for freedom and democracy, rooted in the land beneath their feet. Standing united on this common ground, he vowed to enhance the sense of honor among servicemen and servicewomen.
Referring to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the European theater during World War II on May 8th, President Lai quoted a message from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force: You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade […] The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”
President Lai emphasized that the preciousness of freedom and democracy requires constant vigilance and strength to safeguard. He encouraged all military personnel to understand that they represent the strongest pillar of the nation and carry not only the responsibility of their military duties but also the beliefs of the entire population in freedom.
President Lai pointed out that freedom and democracy are not bestowed from above but earned through the steadfastness and sacrifices of brave individuals across generations. He highlighted that every training session, exercise, and drop of sweat by the military personnel is a testament to their firm commitment to upholding peace. By excelling in training and operational duties, the goal of achieving “true peace through strength” can be realized.