MNA

Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Jiang Guanghua, recently visited the Air Force's Kangshan Base, accompanied by the Commander of the Flight Training Department, Major General Wu. They presided over the "Combat Group AJT Aircraft Conversion Training Flight Mission Overview." The event gathered instructors, staff members, and trainees to discuss the subsequent training plans, review the conversion training, and provide suggestions for improvement. The goal was to encourage all instructors and trainees to put in their best efforts and create a better education and training environment for the Air Force. Deputy Commander Jiang first listened to a briefing on the preparation status of the advanced trainer aircraft and the subsequent conversion training curriculum and key focus areas. He engaged with the personnel on-site, hoping to refine and improve the conversion training process. After the briefing, the instructors provided a pre-flight mission briefing for the 112th Class B Combat Group trainees and conducted a 360-degree inspection, among other procedures. Following this, under the guidance of the instructors, the first group of AJT aircraft conversion trainees successfully took to the skies and completed their first flight training, marking a new milestone. Deputy Commander Jiang expressed that it is thanks to the continuous efforts and dedication of every loyal member of the Air Force that the Republic of China Air Force has reached its current status. He extended his recognition and gratitude to the instructors and trainees for their hard work. He also encouraged everyone to put in more effort, as this would allow future Air Force trainees to receive education in a more efficient, scientific, and comfortable environment, helping them grow and become strong members dedicated to defending the nation’s airspace.

President Lai Ching-te today visited the Yuping Post Office in Tainan to observe the "2025 Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee Field Exercise: Expanding Emergency Medical Locations." During his visit, President Lai expressed his appreciation to all participants involved in the exercise and preparation efforts. He also emphasized the importance of promoting future collaboration between central and local governments, leveraging civil forces, integrating cross-regional resources, and involving communities and civil organizations in nationwide defense resilience exercises. Upon arrival, the President was briefed on the exercise’s objectives and operations, including the setup of emergency medical locations. He then proceeded to observe various field operation areas, including the medical command center, regional coordination centers, mobile police stations, triage and emergency treatment zones, advanced surgical teams, and disaster psychological health units. In his speech, President Lai noted that this exercise marks the first field drill conducted by the Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee. This scenario-based, unscripted exercise focused on "Expanding Emergency Medical Locations," with over 1,500 participants from central and local governments and private sector organizations. The President highlighted the professionalism displayed by all participants, which was a direct result of their regular training and preparedness. “Today’s success not only reflects the dedication and professionalism of all participants but also demonstrates several principles that we hope to continue promoting: first, close collaboration between central and local governments, as evidenced by the joint efforts of the Presidential Office, the Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee, and the Tainan City Government; second, the involvement of civil forces, including organizations such as the Tzu Chi Foundation, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the Mustard Seed Mission and Show Ba Department Store Ltd.; third, the integration of cross-regional resources, with participation from Chiayi and Kaohsiung; and finally, the autonomous actions of community groups and volunteers, including the Huweiliao Volunteer Rescue Team, Songan Floods Community Recovery Shinan Resilience Community, Kainan Community and the Anping District,” President Lai said. He further expressed his gratitude to Premier Cho Jung-tai for leading the team, as well as Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang and Minister Without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng, who served as deputy advisors for the exercise. He also acknowledged the efforts of Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che and his city government team for their unwavering commitment. Additionally, President Lai acknowledged the crucial contributions of local medical personnel from institutions such as Chi Mei Hospital and National Cheng Kung University Hospital, along with other regional hospitals, clinics, and the involvement of volunteer police, firefighters, and traffic personnel. Since taking office, President Lai has emphasized the importance of national defense resilience, establishing the Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. Building upon the tabletop exercise held in December 2024, today’s small-scale field drill is a key step in strengthening Taiwan’s societal resilience. Looking ahead, the government plans to conduct additional exercises in April focused on town-level preparedness, ensuring Taiwan is ready to effectively respond to natural disasters, major accidents, or potential geopolitical shifts. “As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure,’” President Lai concluded. “By preparing in advance, we can mitigate potential harm and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. Our collective efforts will ensure Taiwan's security and contribute to achieving long-term peace.” The event was also attended by senior officials, including Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an, National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Chao-hsieh, Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che, and several diplomatic representatives from foreign missions in Taiwan.

In an effort to validate and enhance the defensive combat capabilities of its forces, the Army Matsu Defense Command successfully executed the first-quarter Yun Tai exercise today. The exercise, which involved personnel from various units, showcased a series of live-fire drills at designated target areas, demonstrating both the operational readiness and proficiency of the troops. Throughout the exercise, soldiers operated CM-21 armored vehicles to access firing positions and deployed a variety of weaponry, including 20mm autocannons, 50 caliber machine guns, 81mm mortars, and T74 machine guns, engaging both aerial and maritime targets. As night fell, upon the commander’s directive, all positions initiated their firing sequences. The battlefield was illuminated by a series of powerful flashes and the resonating sounds of artillery, underscoring the coordination and precision of the exercise. This operation not only reinforced the troops’ proficiency in weapon handling but also highlighted the significant outcomes of their rigorous training programs, ensuring high-level combat readiness for future defense operations.

President Lai Ching-te visited the Ministry of National Defense Wen-Hua base today to encourage the staff of Youth Daily News and the Military News Agency. He expressed his gratitude for their hard work, recognizing their role in countering cognitive warfare through the use of cameras, photography, vivid writing and video content. These efforts have effectively conveyed the correct concept of national defense to the public and demonstrated Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. Upon his arrival at the Wen-Hua base, President Lai first visited the Youth Daily News History Museum, where he toured displays of cultural products, newspaper production processes, and VR equipment. He then visited the Military News Agency, where he engaged in discussions with staff. During his visit, President Lai commended the staff for their role in resisting the "smokeless gunpowder," a form of cognitive warfare that combines military action with information dissemination to influence public sentiment and morale. He emphasized that their work is essential in protecting the nation’s security and that their importance is on par with that of the military's frontline combat units. President Lai noted, "You are the main force in defending against these attacks, and your efforts are as critical as those of our military’s primary combat forces. In the face of China’s persistent united front tactics, gray zone operations, and cognitive warfare, the Military News Agency and Youth Daily News have proactively countered these efforts with timely media responses, including infographics and short videos." The President also highlighted the impact of military media in fostering a sense of proximity between the public and the national military. "Thanks to your efforts, the people of Taiwan now feel that the military is right beside them, reinforcing the importance of national defense and enhancing public confidence in the military and national security," President Lai stated. "This is the most powerful form of deterrence." In his remarks, President Lai encouraged everyone to continue utilizing their professional skills in military media to tell the story of Taiwan’s military and convey the country’s unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom. He stressed the importance of strengthening media operations and strategic communication to unite the people, lead the cognitive battlefield, and achieve the goal of enhancing the overall strength of Taiwan's military forces. "By leveraging your media and communication expertise, you will help consolidate national consensus and elevate the readiness of our military," President Lai concluded. "Together, we will protect Taiwan’s security and demonstrate to the world our resolve to defend our nation."

The 115th Class of Watercraft Specialist from the Underwater Operations Unit (UOU) of 192 Naval Fleet conducted its final evaluation today. Through a series of high-intensity and continuous physical and professional skill tests, the trainees were challenged on their endurance, willpower, and underwater operational capabilities in severe conditions. After several months of rigorous training, the trainees successfully passed the final evaluation, demonstrating their solid combat capabilities. They were also awarded the "Golden Dragon Badge," symbolizing their official status as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important mission of safeguarding the maritime borders. The final evaluation began at dawn and before the sunrise. The trainees started by a 2-kilometer swim without equipment in the sea, testing their endurance and self-rescue abilities in strong currents and cold temperatures. After going ashore, they immediately transitioned to rubber dinghy march, carrying the rubber dinghy on their shoulders and moved forward to the next testing point. The entire process should be done with teammates, which is a test for both teamwork and physical limits. Hereafter, the trainees continued with an 11-kilometer jogging, running from the Brigade 1st Road to the Taoziyuan Beach. Their physical strength was continuously drained throughout the process; only with strong willpower were they able to reach the terminal point successfully. Upon reaching Taoziyuan Beach, the trainees began integrated combat skills training on the beach and waterline right away. In this challenging environment, they underwent various physical and combat skills tests, including crawling forward, kicking when back floating, and bear-hug exercises, aimed at strengthening individual physical fitness and obedience to instructor’s commands. Throughout the process, the trainees had to push their physical and mental limits, ensuring an accurate execution even under high pressure. In the afternoon, the training entered its final stage, with the trainees diving to a depth of 7 meters underwater through free diving. They were tasked with retrieving the "Golden Dragon Badge," a symbolize of honor, to test their underwater adaptability and the execution preciseness of their mission. Once each trainee successfully completed the task, the UOU Commanding Officer, Colonel CHEN, along with other officers, pinned the "Golden Dragon Badge" on the trainees' chests. This ceremony officially marked them as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important responsibilities of executing underwater operations, port maintenance, and underwater search and rescue missions in the future. The training content of the Watercraft Specialist Class is rigorous, with all courses designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals in underwater operations. Trainees undergo strict testing in various aspects, including physical training, equipment operation, underwater operation techniques, and crisis response capabilities. Those who pass are equipped with the ability to carry out high-risk underwater missions. This final evaluation not only assessed the trainees' training outcome, but also ensured they professional skills and mental resilience when facing challenges in the future. This is an injection of new talent into the underwater operations capabilities of R.O.C. Armed Forces, making sure that the Navy can execute its missions flawlessly.

To strengthen the battlefield adaptability of officers and soldiers, the 333 Mechanized Infantry Brigade conducted an "Operational Plan Exercise" today. With live troops and military vehicles, the exercise simulated battlefield scenarios to verify the combat readiness and crisis response capabilities of the troops, which demonstrates the determination of the R.O.C. armed forces to defend national security and protect the homeland. This exercise focused on the "anti-airborne assault" subject, assuming scenarios such as "enemy airstrikes," "battlefield casualty evacuation," and "drone attacks and disturbances." Upon receiving the situation reports, officers and soldiers immediately implemented their tactical plans to respond and take action. They then maneuvered to advantageous positions according to the plan, employed firepower and tactical movements skillfully to eliminate the enemy successfully. This exercise aimed to strengthen the professional capabilities of the Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) to effectively respond to the ever-changing dynamics of the battlefield. Private 1st class ZHOU CHUN-JIE, a one-year conscript who participated in the exercise, said that although the training and evaluating process was tough, participating in the actual exercises of the troops allowed him to become familiar with the operation of weapons and equipment. He also learned to adapt to community life and gained valuable experiences and memories throughout his military career.

The Deputy Minister of National Defense, General CHUNG SHU-MING, visited the Kaohsiung area today to inspect and oversee the progress of the Navy's "Weihai Project" and the construction of military dormitories. In addition to recognizing the hard work of the personnel and construction teams involved in the project, he encouraged the relevant departments to fulfill their environmental responsibilities, maintain good relations with neighborhood, and ensure the project is completed timely, safely, and with high quality. The Deputy Minister CHUNG, accompanied by Administrative Deputy Minister, Vice- Admiral HUANG YU-MIN and other related personnel, visited the Zhenghe Camp for an inspection and supervision in the morning. He firstly listened to a progress report on the execution of the "Weihai Project," then inspected the actual situations of the renovation work at the "Zhenghe Dormitory," "Haigong New Village," and "Cihui Ninth Village" and provided working guidance. The Deputy Minister CHUNG stated that the "Weihai Project" is the largest military harbor project of our country in recent years. Once completed, it will meet the support needs for vessel repairs, supply, docking, training, and typhoon precaution. This will enhance the overall combat capability and operational sustainability of the Navy, assist in developing the naval strength and ensuring the maritime borders security and the protection of national sovereignty. The Deputy Minister CHUNG reminded the relevant departments that any project comes with risks. They should objectively assess and filter potential safety hazards based on different environmental and human factors. It is essential to follow measures such as "Standard Operating Procedures," "Dual Supervision and Reporting," and "Analysis of High-Risk Safety Items for the Following Week" to implement effective risk management and achieve the goal of "safety for personnel, operations, and equipment."

In order to strengthen the "actual combat" capabilities of related troops, the 3rd Smoke Screen Company of the Smoke Screen Battalion, 39th Chemical Group, recently carried out the "Base Operations Plan and Combat Readiness Mission Evaluation." Despite challenging weather conditions, the officers and soldiers demonstrated excellent teamwork and successfully completed various tests, enhancing their professional capabilities in operational support. The troops completed assembly at midnight and immediately transferred to the surrounding beaches of a southern port to carry out support operations of smoke screen during the counterflak phase. Before the dawn, the officers and soldiers established an extensive smoke screen successfully by operating the M3A3 mechanical smoke generators to cover the troops’ movements and complete the mission perfectly. Sergeant TSAI of the 3rd Smoke Screen Company of the Smoke Screen Battalion stated that this evaluation is not only a training results verification of the officers and soldiers', but also a test of the team's cohesion. From the deployment of smoke generators to logistical support, every detail is interconnected. As the leader of smoke screen squad, it is essential to lead the team, continuously improve professional skills, and demonstrate the combat support capabilities of chemical group.

On the morning of January 21, 2025, President Lai Ching-te visited military units in Taitung, including the Army Taitung Regional Command, Navy Fugang Radar Station, and the Air Force 7th Tactical Fighter Wing. The President expressed his deep appreciation for the steadfast dedication of the military in safeguarding national security, allowing citizens to enjoy a peaceful and secure Lunar New Year. He emphasized that the government will continue to provide substantial resources to support the armed forces, pledging to be their most reliable and steadfast ally. Additionally, President Lai urged both the ruling and opposition parties to unite in their support for national defense, particularly in strengthening the defense budget and ensuring the welfare of all military personnel. During his visit, President Lai began by inspecting the Army Taitung Regional Command, where he observed combat readiness exercises conducted by the forces stationed there. He then proceeded to the Navy Fugang Radar Station to review maritime operations. Using the rapid communication system, President Lai engaged in a conversation with officers aboard the Frigate ROCS Si Ning (PFG-1203), thanking them for their continued efforts in patrolling Taiwan’s territorial waters and defending its maritime borders, ensuring the safety and security of the country. In his remarks, President Lai acknowledged the harsh winter maritime conditions in Taiwan, urging all military personnel to exercise cautiously and prioritize their safety while carrying out their duties. He also extended his heartfelt wishes for a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year to all personnel, expressing hopes for good fortune and smooth progress in the Year of the Snake. Following his visits to the Army and Navy, President Lai traveled to the Air Force 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, where he received a briefing on the T-BE5A Brave Eagle and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, along with the wing’s current missions and operational capabilities. During his time with the personnel, the President expressed his gratitude and presented bonuses, spring couplets, red envelopes, and lucky bags as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and hard work. In his address, President Lai emphasized that his visit was not only to observe the military’s routine training but to personally represent the gratitude of all Taiwanese citizens for the military’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s security. He commended the military for their diligence and responsibility, noting that the nation’s defense is in capable hands, with dedicated personnel from all branches of the armed forces, both at home and abroad. President Lai further noted the recent transition of the 7th Squadron into a tactical fighter wing, which included the acquisition of the latest F-16V fighter jets as part of ongoing military modernization efforts. He praised both the pilots and ground crew for their collaboration during the transition period, ensuring that Taiwan’s eastern airspace remains secure. President Lai also assured the public that the military will continue to play a critical role in protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty and maintaining regional peace and stability. The President took the opportunity to address the growing regional challenges posed by the increased ambitions of authoritarian regimes, particularly China, which has escalated its aggressive and destabilizing actions in recent years. He reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to defending democracy, peace, and prosperity, underlining that Taiwan cannot place its trust in the goodwill of others alone but must rely on its strength to secure lasting peace. In conclusion, President Lai reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to supporting the military through continued investment in defense resources, research, and development. He called for bipartisanship in supporting national defense and emphasized that, as international conditions continue to evolve, Taiwan must stand united in its defense of peace and democracy. The President also took a moment to thank all military personnel for their tireless efforts during the holiday season, ensuring that citizens could celebrate the Lunar New Year in peace. As the Lunar New Year approaches, President Lai extends his warmest wishes for health, happiness, and success in the coming year. He urged all military personnel on duty, particularly those from Taitung, to take time to connect with their families, offering his thanks for their sacrifices. The President was accompanied by the Secretary of National Security Council-General Wu Chao-hsieh, Deputy Secretary-General Liu Te-jin, Minister of National Defense Gu Li-xiong, Chief of Army General Lu, Chief of Air Force General Zheng, Deputy Chief of Navy General Ma, and other senior officials during the visit.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Minister of National Defense, Gu Lixiong, visited remote military units located in high-altitude regions today to extend his appreciation to the soldiers maintaining their posts. He commended their relentless efforts in executing missions around the clock, ensuring the protection of maritime and airspace domains, closely monitoring regional developments, and safeguarding the security of the Taiwan Strait. In the morning, Minister Gu visited Navy and Air Force units, where he was briefed on their operational readiness and recent major mission accomplishments. Representing President and Commander-in-Chief, Lai Ching-te, Minister Gu expressed his sincere gratitude to the personnel for their dedication. He also took the opportunity to observe the living conditions at the military base and personally inquired about the well-being of the soldiers while providing guidance on their tasks. Minister Gu emphasized the exceptional performance of soldiers stationed in remote and high-altitude areas, where they continue to execute joint intelligence and surveillance operations under challenging conditions. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to national defense and their resolute belief in protecting the security of the nation. Special recognition was given to the soldiers for their perseverance in overcoming difficulties such as harsh terrain, weather, and living conditions during mission execution, contributing significantly to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. During his visit, Minister Gu engaged with the soldiers, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their current situation. He underscored the Ministry of National Defense's ongoing efforts to improve service conditions and enhance operational effectiveness, ensuring that the soldiers can carry out their responsibilities in a better working environment. In addition, to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, Minister Gu arranged for hotpot meal kits to be distributed to the soldiers, creating a warm and festive atmosphere ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year. Minister Gu also encouraged all personnel to remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor the situation during the Lunar New Year period. He reminded the soldiers to prioritize their health while on duty and expressed his hope that they would enjoy quality time with their families during their scheduled holiday leave.