TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan must continue enhancing its defense capabilities, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said during a military officer promotion ceremony on Tuesday.

Taiwan is facing threats from expanding authoritarianism, Lai said. The Chinese Communist Party is increasing gray zone coercion and infiltration efforts to undermine national security, he said, per the Presidential Office.

The president highlighted his 17-point plan to counter China’s United Front threats and underscored the importance of vigilance among military personnel. Speaking to the 11 promoted officers, Lai urged them to “uphold the principle of ‘people-centered national defense’” and strengthen counterintelligence to build a solid line of defense.

Lai hoped all generals would “break free” from outdated mentalities and embrace greater innovation and flexibility to maximize the effectiveness of a modernized military and bolster defense capacity.

Taiwan is set to conduct the live-fire segment of the Han Kuang 41 military exercise in July. This year’s Han Kuang focuses on verifying the military’s capabilities, including executing plans, conducting joint anti-blockade operations, dispersing and storing supplies, and assessing the combat effectiveness of new weapons, according to the defense ministry. 

Commanders will develop scenarios and contingency plans based on potential enemy actions.