MNA

The ROC Navy 2025 Goodwill Voyage Training Fleet arrived at its second friendly nation, the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This marks the third consecutive year of visits, further deepening substantive and friendly interactions between the two countries through a series of activities, successfully accomplishing the mission of strengthening diplomatic ties and extending greetings to overseas compatriots. Upon the Goodwill Fleet’s arrival at the port of the friendly nation, it was warmly welcomed by Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Trade Kalani Kaneko, ROC Ambassador Hsia Li-yen, Majuro City Executive Director Jina David, as well as local residents and overseas compatriots. On the first day of the visit, Ambassador Hsia Li-yen, accompanied by Fleet Commander Captain Liu and key fleet officers, paid a courtesy call on Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine for talks and exchanges, demonstrating the high importance the Marshall Islands places on the Goodwill Fleet’s visit and reflecting Taiwan’s long-term efforts in cultivating international exchanges and strengthening ties with allied nations. In the evening, a goodwill reception was held aboard the Panshi vessel, hosting dignitaries from the host nation as well as personnel from our embassy, technical mission, medical center, and overseas compatriots, with a full and enthusiastic schedule. During the visit, cadets from the ROC Naval Academy proceeded to a public school under the Marshall Islands Ministry of Education to paint murals on the school walls. In addition to painting the national flags of both countries and depicting Navy goodwill vessels sailing at sea, they also added the words “Lasting Friendship,” symbolizing the long-standing and profound friendship between the two nations. Notably, Marshall Islands Presidential Assistant and Minister of Environment Bremity Lakjohn specially visited to admire the cadets’ mural work and took photos with the students to express gratitude for their efforts, creating cherished memories. The highlight of the visit was a performance at the local ECC Sports Arena, featuring spectacular displays by the “ROC Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps,” “Navy Honor Guard,” and “Marine Corps Jyuquan Team,” earning enthusiastic cheers from local residents and overseas compatriots. Before the fleet’s departure, Minister of Foreign Trade Kalani Kaneko, Ambassador Hsia Li-yen, Fleet Commander Captain Liu, and others jointly presided over a flag-raising ceremony. The Navy band successively played the national anthems of both countries as the flags of the two nations were raised together. Overseas compatriots living abroad felt a strong sense of belonging to their homeland. Following the ceremony, compatriots lined the pier waving national flags vigorously to bid farewell to the officers and sailors from their homeland, bringing the goodwill visit to a perfect conclusion.

On the eve of the September 3 Armed Forces Day, the Chinese Culture Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense Military News Agency, officially released the latest episode of Artisan Spirit titled “Dog Power Unleashed” today. This episode features the highly popular “K9” military dog unit on social media, taking viewers behind the scenes of military dogs’ daily lives, from training processes and duties to retirement mechanisms. Wearing specialized vests and dog boots, “K9” (a homophone of the English word “canine”) is the universal term used by countries worldwide for military and police dogs. The Military Police Command’s Guard Battalion Military Dog Unit is responsible for venue security inspections at the Presidential Office, locations visited by the head of state, and major event sites. It is the only unit in the ROC Armed Forces that employs dogs to perform counter-terrorism explosive detection tasks. Handlers and military dogs work in close partnership to search for and neutralize potential threats such as explosives, ensuring the safety of key locations and personnel. “These spirited explosive detection dogs were once adorable, fluffy puppies.” Military dog trainer Staff Sergeant Wang Po-min explained that training for Military Police dogs mostly begins at the Ministry of Finance Customs Administration’s Drug Detection Dog Training Center. Since 2018, the ROC Armed Forces have collaborated with the center, selecting Labrador Retrievers as the breed for training. From birth, puppies undergo gradual training: using games to develop their sense of smell and exploration instincts, learning to adapt to different environments, and gradually building positive foundations through companionship and encouragement, preparing them for future missions. To enhance social adaptability, puppies between two months and one year of age are placed with foster families. These families take them to schools, train stations, parks, and other public places to familiarize them with crowds and environments. After reaching one year of age, the dogs are assigned to different units. This socialization phase determines whether the dogs will be able to successfully perform important tasks in the future. Staff Sergeant Wang stated that a well-known saying in military dog training is “Trust Your Dog,” meaning a partnership is built through complete trust. Military dogs and their handlers are the most important work partners. The training philosophy of the military dog unit is not based on obedience but on establishing trust and rapport through games, interaction, and positive reinforcement. This relationship extends beyond duty hours; in daily life, handlers must maintain the most sincere interaction with their dogs, carefully reading the messages they convey and allowing the dogs to sustain their enthusiasm for work through a continuous sense of achievement. Episode 55 of Artisan Spirit, “Dog Power Unleashed,” premiered today at 0800 hours on the Chinese Culture Association’s Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram platforms, with simultaneous release on the Military News Agency YouTube channel.

Today, the Ministry of National Defense held the “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II and the War of Resistance Against Japan – MEMORY becomes MISSION” concert at the Taipei International Convention Center. The event specially invited veterans who participated in the war, Mr. Chang Tso-min and Mr. Chang Ying-nan, to attend in person. Minister Koo Li-hsiung personally presented commemorative badges, demonstrating the nation’s highest respect for these veterans of the War of Resistance. The concert carefully selected classic songs from various eras, combining acrobatic dancers and orchestral performances with light sculpture projections and animated visuals to create a brand-new immersive stage experience, allowing historical memory and contemporary mission to intertwine and resonate. The imagery in the performance depicted how, 80 years ago, ROC Armed Forces predecessors, embracing the conviction “If I live, the nation dies; if I die, the nation lives,” used their bodies to withstand gunfire, securing the eternal waving of the blue sky, white sun, and red earth flag. The performance content used history as the warp and exemplary figures as the weft, drawing from historical facts such as girl scout Yang Hui-min risking her life to deliver the national flag, the Flying Tigers aiding China, and the Sino-American Composite Wing in action, conveying the core spirit of “military and civilian unity, demonstrating resilience” and interpreting the historical cooperation of “allied unity, marching together,” linking Taiwan with the international community’s shared democratic values and deep friendship. The concert also specially invited the band 911 to passionately perform classic songs including “Gale Ale,” “LOCAL,” “Battlefield Legend,” and “The World Has Seen,” allowing the audience to feel the steadfast camaraderie on the battlefield and the unity and resilience demonstrated by Taiwan. At the conclusion, the National Defense University Political Warfare and Management College Choir joined the Taipei Philharmonic Youth and Children’s Choir to perform the three services’ anthems and inspirational songs, conveying to all personnel and citizens the message “I serve in the military, and I am proud,” taking pride in being service members and guardians of the homeland, demonstrating the ROC Armed Forces’ determination to pass the torch and shoulder its mission. The Ministry of National Defense stated that this concert is not only a remembrance of history but also a pledge to defend the nation. Whether in the past or present, whenever the nation faces threats, the military and civilians of the entire country have always upheld the spirit of the War of Resistance, vowing to defend the homeland to the death and yield not an inch of territory. In the face of current regional security threats, only firm conviction and national unity can perpetuate the torch of freedom and democracy. It is hoped that through this concert, the memories of the people will be reawakened, the spirit of the heroic martyrs engraved in hearts and passed down through generations, and the War of Resistance spirit of “safeguarding the Republic of China,” “military and civilian unity against the enemy,” “youth stepping forward to defend the nation,” and “allies fighting together” deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

President Lai Ching-te this morning presided over the “Inauguration Ceremony of the National Defense Medical University,” commending the decades-long profound contributions of the National Defense Medical Center to the development of military medicine and offering three expectations for the newly elevated National Defense Medical University: 1. Cultivate medical students with global vision, humanistic literacy and the school motto of “universal love and loyalty” 2. Continuously advance Taiwan’s public health research and infectious disease prevention capabilities to contribute to the nation 3. Continuously improve field military medicine drawing on the combat casualty care experience of the United States and other countries to enhance ROC Armed Forces combat effectiveness and strengthen overall societal defense resilience The ceremony was held this morning at National Defense Medical University. President Lai joined distinguished guests in unveiling the plaque for “National Defense Medical University,” inspected the Combat Trauma and Disaster Medical Training Center and the Medical Technology Education Center, and received briefings on service activities from international volunteer teams from Nepal, Indonesia, Cambodia, Mongolia, India, and Malaysia, gaining insight into combat casualty care training missions and the application of medical technology courses and teaching methods. In his address, President Lai stated that the National Defense Medical Center was officially upgraded to “National Defense Medical University” on August 1, 2025. After decades of effort by the National Defense Medical Center, its achievements have greatly benefited the nation, society, and the people, earning widespread recognition. The elevation to university status today further demonstrates the nation’s strong support for military medicine development. He felt honored to personally preside over the inauguration ceremony, witnessing this historic moment together, and on behalf of the people extended congratulations, wishing the university continued prosperity. He believes the university will shoulder even greater missions in the future, continuing to serve the nation, society, and the people. During the event, President Lai commended the contributions of all physicians from the former National Defense Medical Center to society, noting that residents of Jinshan, Wanli, and Keelung areas often choose Tri-Service General Hospital for serious illnesses, demonstrating that its primary care services are deeply trusted. Furthermore, National Defense Medical University is the only higher education institution in the nation that combines military missions with medical education—a cradle for cultivating dual-mission heroes. As a president from the medical profession and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he will shoulder the responsibility to support the university’s development without reservation. He also looks forward to Major General Lin Chih-yuan, President of National Defense Medical University, building on the solid foundation laid by previous presidents to elevate contributions even further. President Lai encouraged National Defense Medical University to continue refining its efforts in cultivating medical students with global vision, humanistic literacy, and the school motto of “universal love and loyalty” while deepening community service. Military hospitals, including Tri-Service General Hospital, were not established solely to serve the armed forces; in peacetime they also care for public health. He hopes they will continue to improve and expand in the future. President Lai pointed out that National Defense Medical University is the only institution in the nation equipped with a Biosafety Level 4 laboratory—a rare asset. He noted that global infectious diseases emerge roughly once every one or two decades, varying in scale, such as SARS in 2002 or COVID-19 in 2019, all of which posed threats to Taiwan as well. He hopes the university will make good use of this resource to continuously advance Taiwan’s public health research and infectious disease prevention capabilities, contributing to the nation. President Lai further stated that what distinguishes National Defense Medical University from ordinary medical universities is its expertise in field military medicine and combat casualty care training. Continuous improvement in these areas will greatly benefit ROC Armed Forces combat effectiveness and even overall societal defense resilience. Taiwan should continue to advance field military medicine, learn from the combat casualty care experience of the United States and other countries through international cooperation, and utilize AI, AR, and VR as learning tools. Finally, President Lai once again encouraged National Defense Medical University, following its elevation, to continue advancing in three major areas: medical services, infectious disease prevention and control, and field military medicine and combat casualty care training, extending these efforts nationwide. He believes this will greatly benefit the nation. Attendees included Presidential Office Senior Advisers Tong Yong and Shen Rong-tsong, Strategic Adviser Huo Shou-yeh, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Minister of National Defense Koo Li-hsiung, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao, Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan, Veterans Affairs Council Chairman Yen Te-fa, Director-General of the Medical Affairs Bureau Major General Tsai Chien-sung, and President of National Defense Medical University Major General Lin Chih-yuan.

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.

Today, at Gangshan Air Force Base, the Republic of China Air Force held the “Thunder Tiger Squadron Handover Ceremony and T-BE-5A Brave Eagle Advanced Jet Trainer Smoke Performance Demonstration,” presided over by Commander General Cheng. Former Minister of National Defense Feng Shih-kuan, previous presidents of the Air Force Academy, commanders of the Air Force Education, Training and Doctrine Development Command, former Thunder Tiger leaders and members, family members, representatives from AIDC, and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology were invited to attend, symbolizing the generational inheritance of the Air Force and the advancement of national defense technology. During the ceremony, the Thunder Tiger Squadron performed a three-aircraft formation flypast with AT-3 aircraft and a five-aircraft V-shaped formation with AJT aircraft over the viewing stand, releasing tri-color smoke representing the national flag of the Republic of China. Subsequently, an AJT aircraft conducted a solo performance demonstration, showcasing not only the unity of pilot and aircraft in aerobatic maneuvers but also the superior performance of the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer. Since its establishment in 1953, the Thunder Tiger Squadron has operated various aircraft types, including the F-84G, F-86F, F-5A, and F-5E. During this period, it participated in the first World Air Conference in the United States. Beginning in 1989, the squadron transitioned to the domestically produced AT-3 aircraft, performing flypasts and aerobatic displays at major national celebrations. Its superb flying skills have earned widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally, deeply winning the recognition and affection of the public. The new Thunder Tiger Squadron will inherit the illustrious reputation of its predecessors, upholding the core spirit of “technical excellence, teamwork, and relentless effort,” and continuing the glory and legend of aerobatic flight with the AJT aircraft. This event also featured a historical exhibition area displaying archival photographs and artifacts, allowing guests to appreciate the evolution of successive aircraft types and the squadron’s brilliant flight history while paying the highest tribute to all past Thunder Tiger members. This handover ceremony highlights the achievements of defense self-reliance and the modernization of flight training, marking the Thunder Tiger Squadron’s entry into a new era. The Air Force will continue to strengthen its combat capabilities to safeguard national security.

On the second day of the Han Kuang 41 Exercise, various types of aircraft from the ROC Air Force took off from different bases to rapidly conduct combat readiness redeployment training, ensuring sustained operational capability. Initially, ground crew personnel completed the configuration of mission-capable weapon systems. Pilots and crew chiefs then worked together to conduct a comprehensive 360-degree pre-flight inspection. After confirming that all systems and equipment were fully operational, the aircraft swiftly took off to carry out their assigned missions. The purpose of this redeployment drill is to disperse force deployments and preserve weapon systems and equipment. This approach aims to secure strategic operational depth, maintain flexible mobility and sustained combat capabilities, and enable timely and effective airstrikes—thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of Taiwan’s defensive operations.

In coordination with the ROC Armed Forces’ Han Kuang 41 Exercise, the Coast Guard Administration’s Anping-class vessel “Wanli,” with the assistance of Navy logistics personnel, completed the installation of Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles. This initiative aims to enhance the Coast Guard’s joint operational capabilities to support ROC Armed Forces’ combat operations.

The Army’s 584th Armored Brigade conducted the “M1A2T Tank Conversion Training” at the Kengzikou Training Ground in Hsinchu on the morning of July 10. The Military News Agency’s social media platform released a video of the M1A2T tank undergoing firing training, with the shockwave from the tank’s cannon raising dust accompanied by the flash of the projectile, creating a striking scene.

RF-5E Decommissioning Ceremony: Formation Flight Completes Final Mission The Air Force Command held the “RF-5E Decommissioning Ceremony” at Hualien Air Base today, featuring a formation flight, static display, and screening of a documentary film. The event also specially invited pilots’ families to attend and witness the historic moment alongside service members. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Minister of National Defense Hung-Hui Pai, who presented commemorative gifts and arm patches to mission pilots and logistics personnel, expressing gratitude for their long-term commitment and professional dedication. During the event, a formation of five aircraft, consisting of three RF-5E and two F-5F aircraft, took off from Hualien Air Base, conducted an airspace patrol along the eastern sea, and passed through a water arch created by fire trucks upon landing, completing their final flight mission. A static display area was set up at the ceremony site, showcasing RF-5E and F-5F aircraft along with historical mission equipment. A documentary film was screened, reviewing the aircraft’s role transitions and achievements within the air defense system since its commissioning, highlighting its diverse applications in reconnaissance, disaster monitoring, and technological development. The RF-5E, modified from the F-5 series since 1997, was equipped with optoelectronic reconnaissance equipment and tasked with homeland surveillance, disaster assessment, and intelligence collection. It also frequently supported natural disaster response operations. Although its operational mode differed from main combat aircraft, it remained a critical mission aircraft type for the Air Force. Since their commissioning, the F-5 series aircraft have served in training, combat, and reconnaissance roles, witnessing the Air Force’s development and technological transformation. Future tactical reconnaissance missions will be undertaken by RF-16 aircraft, continuing to provide real-time air intelligence to support ROC Armed Forces’ operational planning and decision-making.