The first group of the 2025 “National Defense Education Nansha Study Camp” returned to Zuoying Military Port in Kaohsiung in recent days. A total of 10 instructors and students from National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, National Cheng Kung University, and National Tsing Hua University participated. In coordination with the Navy’s Nansha patrol mission, they boarded a Kang Ding-class frigate to visit Taiping Island, the southernmost territory of our nation. Through a nine-day, eight-night study itinerary, they deepened their awareness of national territorial sovereignty and broadened the effectiveness of national defense education for all citizens.
The group departed on May 19 aboard Kang Ding-class frigate No. 1202 (ROCS Kang Ding) for Taiping Island in the Spratlys. The Ministry of National Defense arranged a diverse curriculum aboard the vessel. Army Academy instructor Lieutenant Colonel Chen Yi-ling delivered lectures on “Strategic Discourse on the South China Sea,” “Introduction to Our Nation’s Defense Policy and All-Volunteer Force System,” “Changes and Challenges in the Regional Situation,” “Media Literacy,” and “Countering Cognitive Warfare,” enabling participants to gain a profound understanding of the current military service system and our nation’s determination to manage the South China Sea while cultivating media literacy and establishing basic concepts for countering cognitive warfare. Instructors Huang Chi-feng from Tsing Hua University, Professor Chen Yen-chung from Cheng Kung University, and Military Training Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Tsai Pei-yuan from Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology respectively addressed topics such as “Foreign Military Occupation of Our Nansha Territories” and “Spatial Planning under Post-Military Jurisdiction,” drawing on international cases and their professional expertise to extend discussion on South China Sea issues.
In addition, ROCS Kang Ding arranged practical courses including “light signal recognition,” “navigation watch and helmsman training,” “signal recognition and flag-hoisting drills,” “damage control,” “chart measurement and sextant operation,” “mooring line handling training,” and “knot-tying practice.” Through these hands-on experiences, all participants gained a real appreciation of the hard work Navy personnel perform in defending maritime territory.
After a five-day, four-night voyage covering nearly 1,600 kilometers, the group arrived at the outer reef of Taiping Island on the morning of May 23 and transferred to a Coast Guard vessel for landing. Upon arrival, the instructors and students presented flower garlands to representatives of the stationed personnel in tribute to their dedication in guarding national territory. Guided by Coast Guard personnel, they subsequently visited the island’s livestock farm, No. 5 natural water well, Guanyin Temple, and the old Japanese pier, successively engaging in environmental tree-planting, mailing postcards, and conducting a beach cleanup, thereby taking concrete action to protect the magnificent ecological environment of our southernmost territory.
The following dawn, the study camp participants joined stationed personnel at the Nansha Command Headquarters for the flag-raising ceremony, together witnessing the national flag of the Republic of China, azure sky with a white sun and red earth, rising majestically over the southern frontier of the nation, bringing a perfect conclusion to this year’s Nansha Study Camp activities.