MNA

The year 2024 marks the 66th anniversary of the 823 Battle. President Lai Ching-te paid a visit to Kinmen this morning and hosted the "Remembrance Ceremony for the 66th Victory Anniversary of the 823 Battle", and had a luncheon with the officers and soldiers and family of the deceased. The President thanked the martyrs of the 823 Battle for their sacrifice and dedication, and hoped that everyone would continue to uphold the spirit of the 823 Battle in the future, safeguard national sovereignty, and defend the life and property of our nationals. After the President arrived in Kinmen, he went to the Martyrs' Shrine at Mount Taiwan and officiated the sacrificial ritual, offering incense, flowers, and gifts to the martyrs. After the master of ceremonies read the memorial text, the President led accompanying mourners to bow in expressing their condolences, then going to the tomb section of the Cemetery at Mount Taiwan, and attended a memorial ceremony to express his heartfelt condolences and gratitude to the martyrs for their selfless dedication to the country. The President met with many bereaved family members today. During the reception, he rendered his respect to all family members of the deceased, and expressed thanks to everyone's families for their contribution to the country as the 823 Battle will always remain in our collective history and memories. The President also rendered his gratitude to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) for arranging the gathering, and hoped that we maintain the spirit of the 823 Battle in the future and that the sacrifice of all service personnel who participated in this battle will not be in vain. The President emphasized that the government has continuously improved the military combat capabilities of our country in recent years, and the military budget next year will be further expanded to ensure we continue to do so. In addition to taking care of officers and soldiers and protecting their rights and interests, the government will also improve training, and procure more sophisticated weapons and equipment. We will also continue to stand side by side with democratic countries as we demonstrate to the international community our determination to protect our country. Most of all, our country is willing to work with democratic allies to safeguard the peaceful development of the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region. To finish, the President again expressed his most sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the 823 Battle on behalf of every national in the country. As the President noted, if it had not been for the determination, solidarity, and uncompromising spirit of these brave servicemen as they fought to prevail in this battle, Taiwan would not be where it is today. Facing the threat from Communist China, our only goal is to defend national sovereignty, safeguard democracy, and defend the life and property of our 23.5 million nationals.

The "Maritime Life Experience Camp" of the National Defense Education Summer Combat Camp National for 2024 is a national defense intellectual journey lasting four days and three nights. Today, students were arranged to sail on a Panshi warship to experience feeling of riding the wind and waves. Through exciting courses and personal experiences of maritime life, they learned about and generated a deeper interest in naval affairs. For the Maritime Life Experience Camp, a number of practical courses were arranged on warships in the morning, and trainees were taught about rope knotting, putting on fireproof clothing and equipment, how to identify hand-flags, and other experiences. Through various practical exercises, they experienced the daily training of officers and soldiers, and learned about the Navy and national defense up close. The highlight of the day was the "Sea Refueling Operation." This was a course to which many trainees had been most looking forward. However, they were unable to successfully complete the sea replenishment exercise due to adverse sea conditions. The trainees could not hide their disappointment, however, following an explanation from cadres, they gained a deeper understanding about naval officers and soldiers as they steadfastly safeguard our sea territory. After a simulation exercise, the trainees waved goodbye to the supply vessels, leaving with wonderful memories of the event.

The final comprehensive seminar and closing training ceremony for Army draftees of the 2226th echelon for one-year compulsory military service was held today. As the draftees received their specialty and honorary certificates from Colonel Huang, Deputy Brigade Commander, they shouted loudly, "We, draftees of the 2226th echelon, have completed our training." The troops are now ready to take up the challenges of tomorrow. The final comprehensive seminar and closing training ceremony was held at the main hall of Chenggongliang in the morning. During the event, Colonel Huang, Deputy Brigade Commander, awarded specialty certificates to servicemen, honorary certificates to draftees for outstanding training results, and honorary certificates to industrious cadres. These certificates mark the strong and serious affirmation and dedicated efforts of each and every draftee and cadre. Immediately after the training company commander and representatives of the servicemen shared their eight-week enlistment experience and training, Deputy Brigade Commander Huang held a seminar with the draftees, offering the chance for them to propose suggestions about the training and hardware and software facilities of the unit. When the draftees posed for a group photo, they shouted loudly "We, draftees of the 2226th echelon, have finished our training", and threw their camouflage hats into the sky as they said goodbye to their enlisted comrades and Chenggongliang New Recruit Center.

To verify the immediate combat capabilities of troops, the 2nd Joint Battalion of the 586th Armored Brigade took a combat readiness test today. The test is completed with respect to operation items such as orders received at various stages, inspection of combat readiness, and mobile loading and situation handling, which are implemented to practice the protection of important targets and enemy troops. The combat drills feature with actual troops, equipment, and ammunition combined with simulation scenarios to verify cadres' capabilities to understand commands and engage in direct operations as well as contingent responses by troops to changes. The combat readiness test was first implemented to check the order transmission of combat readiness and combat readiness inspection. Once the command post receives orders, all officers and soldiers should quickly enter tactical positions. After vehicles and equipment are checked and confirmed that they are in good condition, ammunition is loaded into the armored vehicles in sequence to quickly complete maneuver preparation. Based on scenario-based drills for combat casualty rescue and other subjects, officers and soldiers skillfully and proficiently completed various stages of tactical actions with great fighting spirit, fully demonstrating the results of their day-by-day diligent training. Captain Ma of the company command said that officers and soldiers can become familiar with wartime duties and various contingency actions through quarterly combat readiness tests and real-life drills, and such drills strengthening the contingent ability of troops to adapt to changes, and maximize the operational effectiveness of units. Sergeant Chang, the medical officer, pointed out that the incorporation of combat injury care into the combat readiness test helps improve self-rescue capabilities on the battlefield, so that all service personnel have the skills to use emergency rescue equipment such as tourniquets to provide preliminary combat injury treatment immediately after a soldier is wounded to improve the survival rate.

Vice President Lai Ching-te visited the Armed Forces in the southern region today as he learned about the current build-up and preparation work of relevant units of the Armed Forces. During the visit, he affirmed the efforts of service personnel of the Armed Forces as they devote a lot of effort in troop training, combat readiness, and other related work, and offered a food allowance to express his encouragement to our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces for their hard work. Today marked the first stop in a national defense tour by the Vice President during the administration handover. The Vice President indicated that national defense is the cornerstone of national security. In recent years, our country has systematically increased the budget for national defense, reformed the conscription and reserve system, and introduced new combat force levels. Such measures aim to enhance the national defense strength of Taiwan as a whole, deter any threats against the security of our country, and ensure the well-bing and stability of Taiwan and the region. The Vice President believes that relevant efforts have achieved remarkable results in the past eight years under the leadership of President Tsai, and the world has witnessed the determination of the Taiwanese people to safeguard their own country. In the future, the government will continue to support the Armed Forces, and work hand-in-hand to protect the homeland of freedom and democracy. The Vice President was also accompanied by Chiu Kuo-cheng, Minister of National Defense, Liu De-jin, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council, Huang Chong-yan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, and Chen Yi-ling, Director of the Office of the Vice President on the visit.

The domestic island-circuit voyage training of 2024 by the Navy Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron will begin today. For two consecutive days (16th and 17th), it will berth at Keelung Port, and the general public is welcome to board the vessel. Across these two days, various booths featuring national defense matters will be set up, while a number of exciting naval exercises will be on display, helping the public witness the solid combat power of the Navy. The opening ceremony of the visit to the Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron at Keelung Port was chaired by Rear Admiral Chang, Deputy Chief of General Staff of Naval Command Headquarters. Hsieh Kuo-liang, Mayor of Keelung, Legislator Lin Pei-siang, Chief Chang Yuan-siang, Department of Civil Affairs of the Keelung City Government, and other distinguished guests were invited to attend. The Keelung City Government also presented a token of its appreciation to the Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron and wished the mission success. After the opening ceremony, the Drum Corps of the Navy Academy, Marine Honor Corps, and Marine Corps Chikwondo performed wonderful drills, drawing enthusiastic cheers and applause from spectators. The general public were also allowed to take photos with drill officers and soldiers as a show of solidarity of the military and civilians, helping to enhance the effectiveness of national defense. This event attracted a large number of people from the northern region and tourists to Keelung. Since members of the public could board the naval warship, they were see the daily rigorous training of naval officers and soldiers for themselves. The introduction of officers on the vessel further allowed the public to appreciate the solid combat strength of the Navy. The Squadron will visit other ports such as Magong, Taichung, and Anping, providing another opportunity for the Navy to communicate with the general public, and for the general public to further understand national defense matters and the importance of protecting the maritime borders of our country, and a rare chance to experience the bearing and demeanor of our Navy in person.