TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized the importance of national defense during a government briefing on Tuesday (March 2).
Taiwan is strategically located on the first island chain and faces threats to from authoritarian expansion, Lai said, per the Presidential Office. Constantly strengthening defense capabilities and closely cooperating with democratic allies is a crucial and urgent task, he said.
Lai and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) visited the military’s Bo'ai barracks in Taipei on Tuesday afternoon and received a presentation about ongoing efforts to boost Taiwan’s defense. They then stopped at the Heng Shan Military Command Center to familiarize themselves with relevant operational mechanisms and the real-time situation in Taiwan’s waters and airspace.
The government will safeguard national security and promote regional stability based on the four pillars of peace, Lai said. The vice president said that in recent years, Taiwan has systematically increased defense budgets, reformed conscription, with the intention of raising Taiwan’s overall resilience.
Lai encouraged the national security team and the armed forces to work together for national security and regional stability. He praised Taiwan’s officers and soldiers for their dedication to guarding their homeland.
After the meetings, he awarded commendation bonuses to show appreciation for their hard work. Lai and Hsiao were also accompanied by National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Ku (顧立雄) and other officials.
The security briefing comes as Taiwan prepares to start its annual Han Kuang military exercise. The computer simulation portion is set to begin April 19, while the live-fire segment is scheduled for July 22.
This year’s exercise is focused on infrastructure resilience and force preservation.