TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army Artillery Training Command inaugurated its new Tangshan Base in Guanmiao, Tainan on Thursday. 

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited the base and inspected the new equipment and training simulators, Military News Agency reported. He also ate with service members and presented extra meal allowances to commend the troops for their hard work.

In his remarks, he called the new camp a major improvement. The facilities and training curricula “are all excellent,” he said.

They meet the growing training needs and strengthen the military’s overall capabilities, the president said. He added that as newly procured weapons, such as HIMARS and the Land Sword missile system, arrive at the base, they will play a key role in bolstering defense.

Lai said the completion of the artillery base will attract other important public construction projects in the neighboring area, and future revenue will support more local development.

The Army Artillery Training Command, also known as the artillery school, had been based in Yongkang, Tainan, since 1952, per CNA. However, the area became increasingly urbanized over the years, prompting the defense ministry to fund a new base. Construction was completed last year, and all units were relocated in December.

Vice Defense Minister Admiral Chung Shu-ming (鍾樹明) visited the base in November and urged the command to focus on long-term planning and development. Artillery officers must look ahead to future forms of warfare and operating environments and understand trends in enemy force organization, structure, and equipment, Chung said.