TAIPEI (Taiwan News)—President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday called for Taiwan's military to improve its organizational structure and enhance combat resilience. 

While presiding over the promotion of six military officers, Lai said that “in the face of the growing convergence of authoritarian forces” and the “CCP's increasing gray-zone intrusions,” Taiwan must leverage asymmetric strategies and military capabilities to demonstrate its resolve to defend itself, per CNA. He stressed the military's importance in safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy while ensuring regional peace.

Lai urged the newly promoted officers to make "reviewing organizational structure to enhance combat resilience" their goal and conduct an organizational structure review of the main combat, garrison, and reserve forces. He also emphasized the need to ensure the military’s ability to execute joint operational plans through annual training exercises.

The president said last week's "immediate response" drills conducted from Mar. 17-21 used scenario-based guidance. He said this ensures realistic combat training and strengthens combat effectiveness.

Lai said the government will provide support for the military. In addition to implementing an updated salary adjustment plan next month, the government will continue advancing defense reforms, allocating sufficient defense resources, and modernizing military management. 

He said these efforts would benefit the military in several ways, including personnel stability and improved efficiency.

The president acknowledged the officers' dedication across various fields, including talent development, combat readiness training, psychological warfare, reserve mobilization, and cyber warfare which strengthen defense capabilities.