MNA

Ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien visited reserve, finance, and armaments units in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung area today on behalf of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung. He reviewed the status of their missions, commended the dedicated service of military personnel, military academy cadets, and reserve advisory cadres, and extended early holiday greetings. Accompanied by the All-out Defense Mobilization Agency Deputy Director-General Major General Wu Lai-yi, the Comptroller Bureau Deputy Director Major General Hsin Yi-tsung, and 4th Theaters of Operations Combat Zone Deputy Political Warfare Director Colonel Chou, Vice Minister Hsu visited the Pingtung County Reserve Command, Pingtung Finance Group, the Armaments Bureau’s 205th Arsenal, and the Republic of China Air Force Academy. During the visits, Vice Minister Hsu reviewed the units’ missions and the progress of their recent major tasks. He also interacted with military personnel, cadets, and reserve advisory cadres and presented additional meal allowances , encouraging them to remain steadfast at their posts, continue honing their professional capabilities, and contribute collectively to national security. At the Pingtung County Reserve Command, Vice Minister Hsu asked about difficulties encountered while validating wartime disaster scenarios during the Urban Resilience Exercise. He emphasized that exercises are intended to identify problems. Units should continually review their manpower and materiel requirements, conduct practical inventories of available resources, and promptly address deficiencies so that their preparations reflect actual needs. During a discussion with reserve advisory cadres, Vice Minister Hsu stated, “It is an honor to wear the vest representing reserve forces and all-out defense.” He thanked and commended each cadre for their dedication to national defense and for serving as an important link between the military, local governments, and the public. Vice Minister Hsu also praised the Pingtung Finance Group for its performance and instructed the unit to strengthen financial education and risk awareness among service members, helping them develop sound financial concepts and safeguarding unit security. During his visit to the Armaments Bureau’s 205th Arsenal, Vice Minister Hsu reviewed the relocation and reconstruction of the facility, the progress of its projects, and the management and deployment of production-line personnel. He also inspected the ammunition production line and complete-round assembly lines to learn about their operating processes and commended all personnel for their contributions. Later, while meeting with cadets at the Republic of China Air Force Academy, Vice Minister Hsu drew on his experience as a scholar and his service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, and Ministry of National Defense. Emphasizing that “democracy must be defended,” he commended every cadet who had chosen a military career and was taking concrete action to protect the nation. He also encouraged the cadets with the principles of “a person of character attending to the fundamentals” and “believe in oneself. ” By investing time and patience in performing and understanding every mission, he said, they would ultimately achieve success.

Ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien visited the Miaoli area today on behalf of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung. He visited the Miaoli County Reserve Command and Miaoli Military Police to learn about their mission execution. Vice Minister Hsu commended service members and reserve advisory cadres for remaining steadfast at their posts and dedicated themselves to their duties, and extended early wishes for a happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Accompanied by Fifth Theater of Operations Deputy Commander Major General Ma Ji-rui, All-out Defense Mobilization Agency Deputy Director-General Liu Tai-yi, Military Police 203rd Command Deputy Commander Colonel Tseng, and other officials, Vice Minister Hsu received mission briefings at the two units. He reviewed their reserve mobilization readiness, military-civilian coordination, and military police operations. He also spoke with service members and reserve advisory cadres and asked about their work and daily lives. Vice Minister Hsu said this year’s Urban Resilience Exercise incorporated wartime disaster scenarios for the first time. The purpose of the exercise was to identify problems through practical validation and make continuous improvement. Units should continually review their personnel and materiel requirements based on the exercise results. In particular, they should realistically assess the vehicles, machinery, and other resources required for such missions as evacuating civilians from disaster areas, transporting critical supplies, and protecting critical infrastructure. Any deficiencies identified should be addressed promptly so that readiness preparations more closely reflect actual requirements. Vice Minister Hsu emphasized that reserve advisory cadres serve as an important communication bridge between the military, local governments, and civil society. Effective coordination mechanisms should be established during peacetime and repeatedly tested and refined through training and exercises. Communications planning should also account for the possibility that normal communications may be disrupted during wartime. Units should establish multiple backup communication methods and ensure that personnel are familiar with operating the relevant systems. Reserve advisory cadres have long-established ties within their communities and play an important role in connecting the Armed Forces with the public. Vice Minister Hsu encouraged them to continue drawing on their local knowledge and ability to coordinate resources to support military operations and enhance military-civilian integration. In the afternoon, Vice Minister Hsu visited the Miaoli Military Police to review its mission execution and combat-readiness preparations. He emphasized that joint transportation operations involve troop movements, road access, and coordination with local authorities and must therefore be incorporated into mission planning. Units should strengthen coordination and conduct drills during peacetime for potential contingencies they may face, identifying problems early and making continual adjustments to ensure the successful execution of all wartime missions.

The Ministry of National Defense held the 2026 Financial Literacy and Financial Fraud Prevention Training Program at Bo’ai Camp today, presided over by Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien. Experts in finance and fraud prevention were invited to deliver sessions on financial management strategies and fraud prevention. By sharing professional knowledge and practical experience, the program aimed to enhance service members’ financial literacy and their ability to identify and prevent fraud, while helping them develop sound financial practices. The instructors were Lin Yu-jung, a lecturer at the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance, and Chiu Ya-tien, a Division Assistant with the Crime Prevention Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior. Their respective sessions, titled “Financial Management Strategies” and “Fraud Prevention,” covered lifetime risk management, all-weather investment portfolios, the latest fraud statistics and trends, and common fraudulent schemes. Drawing on her frontline experience in criminal investigation and fraud prevention, Chiu used actual cases to explain how fraud rings operate, helping service members develop sound financial concepts and greater vigilance against fraud. In his remarks, Vice Minister Hsu said that in an era of intertwined geopolitical and financial risks, everyone must confront the important challenge of accumulating wealth while protecting it from fraud. When service members encounter serious financial difficulties or fall victim to fraud, the consequences affect not only their own livelihoods but also their families. Those in leadership positions also bear responsibility for guiding their teams. Enhancing their personnel’s financial literacy and ability to “identify and prevent fraud” is therefore an essential aspect of leadership that cannot be overlooked. Vice Minister Hsu encouraged participants to make the most of the training and apply what they had learned in their workplaces. By managing their own finances responsibly, they can protect themselves and their families while also supporting their fellow service members. He urged them to incorporate sound financial management and fraud prevention practices into their daily lives and become a strong force in safeguarding service members’ financial security.

Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien visited financial, reserve, and logistics units in Yilan today on behalf of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung. He thanked service members and reserve advisory cadres for their longstanding dedication to their duties and extended his recognition and appreciation, as well as early wishes for a happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Accompanied by All-out Defense Mobilization Agency Chief Executive Officer Lin Chun-mei, Deputy Commander of the Third Theater of Operations Lieutenant General Tung Chi-hsing, and other officials, Vice Minister Hsu visited the Yilan Detachment, Yilan Financial Affairs Group, Yilan County Reserve Command, and Yilan Supply Subdepot. He received briefings on mission performance and personnel living conditions. On behalf of Minister Koo, he also presented group meal allowances and thanked service members and reserve advisory cadres for their dedication. Vice Minister Hsu commended personnel at the Yilan Financial Affairs Group for their longstanding work in salary disbursement, fund management, emergency loans, and other services that address the practical needs of service members. He emphasized that as investment and borrowing options become increasingly diverse, financial units should continue strengthening financial education and promoting risk awareness. These efforts will help service members develop sound financial concepts and avoid personal financial difficulties that could affect unit security. During his visit to the Yilan County Reserve Command, Vice Minister Hsu said reserve commands should strengthen routine coordination and liaison with local governments and civic organizations, maintain effective communication channels, integrate local resources, and improve military-civilian integration mechanisms. Readiness plans should also be incorporated into daily operations and validated through training and exercises. These efforts will continue to strengthen reserve capabilities and ensure that the reserve force serves as a reliable and trusted pillar of national security. In the afternoon, Vice Minister Hsu visited the Yilan Supply Subdepot to inspect its storage facilities, offices, and living quarters. He commended the unit for maintaining regional supply capacity and supporting the execution of various missions. Given the wide range of logistics items and the stringent procedures governing their management, he encouraged the unit to continue adopting technological tools, improving supply and management operations, and enhancing overall logistics support effectiveness.

The Ministry of National Defense held its “2026 Armed Forces Data Governance Training Program” today, presided over by Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien. Courses covering policy guidance, implementation of governance mechanisms, and system operation were designed to strengthen service members’ understanding of data governance. A dedicated management team also assisted in delivering the training, helping lay a solid foundation for the Armed Forces’ digital transformation. Vice Minister Hsu said the Armed Forces continue advancing toward “greater modernization, internationalization, and localization.” Amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence, data governance and systems integration provide essential foundations for AI applications and building a modern military. Armed forces around the world face similar challenges in integrating data and ensuring interoperability among information systems. It is therefore “never too late” to implement data governance. What matters, Vice Minister Hsu said, is demonstrating resolve and continuing to make progress. Citing the Russia-Ukraine War, Vice Minister Hsu explained that modern battlefields depend heavily on information systems and real-time data. From UAV operations to commanders’ access to information on force strength, equipment readiness and supplies, a robust data governance framework is essential to maintaining situational awareness and supporting command decision-making. Vice Minister Hsu emphasized that data governance is an important foundation of modern combat power. He encouraged participants to build consensus, harness the strength of teamwork, and continue improving related efforts. These efforts will enhance the Armed Forces’ information integration and data utilization capabilities, establishing a solid foundation for digital transformation and AI applications.

Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien visited Taipei Main Station this morning to view the displays at the Executive Yuan’s “Safeguarding Our Homeland, Sharing in the Honor: A Feast for Heroes, Savoring Home and Honoring the Nation” event. On behalf of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, he presented gifts to participating service members and thanked them for their hard work. To recognize Armed Forces personnel for their longstanding dedication to defending the nation and safeguarding the homeland, the Executive Yuan is holding the four-day event from September 3 in the multipurpose exhibition area on the first floor of Taipei Main Station. The event combines a military appreciation fair, displays of Armed Forces equipment, screenings of military promotional videos, and themed interactive activities. Members of the public are invited to show their respect and gratitude through concrete action to service members who remain steadfast at their posts. For the event, the Ministry of National Defense is displaying models of equipment used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Items presented in rotation over the four days include an Army Special Forces miniature assault vehicle, a Navy twin-mounted Stinger missile launcher, models of three types of Air Force fighter aircraft, and a Military Police Indian Challenger heavyweight motorcycle. These displays give the public an opportunity to view military equipment up close and learn about the distinctive characteristics of each service. During the event, service members and their families may receive a 20 percent discount throughout the fair by presenting a military identification card, service identification card, or military dependent identification card. Visitors whose names contain any of the Chinese characters “九, 三, 軍, 人, 節, 陸, 海, 空, or 憲,” or a homophone of any of these characters, may receive a 10 percent discount upon presenting identification. The event also features prize drawings for purchases of NT$1,000 or more, limited daily gifts for completing designated social media check-in activities, honor guard performances, national defense quizzes, Armed Forces-themed digital photo booths, and message boards for expressing appreciation to the military. Through these interactive experiences, visitors can learn more about the Armed Forces and convey their best wishes to the service members safeguarding the homeland.

Ahead of Armed Forces Day on September 3, the Armed Forces Personnel Savings Division (AFPSD) held the 510th Military Savings Prize Bond drawing today, together with a special Armed Forces Day prize drawing. Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien served as the guest conducting the drawing, which featured an additional NT$1 million special prize to reward service members who have long supported the prize bond program. The event also promoted sound financial management and encouraged personnel to develop prudent saving habits and plan their finances carefully. The drawing was held at AFPSD this morning. Witnessed by Comptroller Bureau Director-General Lieutenant General Hsieh Chi-hsien, Financial Center Chief Financial Officer Major General Chen Chi, and oversight representatives from the Financial Supervisory Commission and the three services, the drawings for the NT$1 million special prize, first prize, second prize, and other prizes were conducted. The winning numbers will be published on AFPSD’s official website and Facebook page for service members to check. In his remarks, Vice Minister Hsu noted that Armed Forces Day was approaching. On behalf of the Ministry of National Defense, he expressed his sincerest respect and gratitude to all Armed Forces personnel who remain steadfast and conscientious at their posts, as well as to the military families who have long supported them. He also commended AFPSD for remaining true to its founding mission of “serving the Armed Forces and caring for service members.” The Division provides secure financial management options and, through Military Savings Prize Bonds, which offer both “principal repayment at maturity” and “opportunities to win prizes,” helps service members develop sound saving habits. Vice Minister Hsu noted that modern society offers an increasingly diverse range of investment and financial management options, accompanied by growing risks and ever-evolving forms of fraud. AFPSD’s reliable savings and financial management services provide service members with an important means of accumulating wealth and planning for the future. He encouraged service members to make effective use of these resources, develop sound financial management practices, and carefully plan their personal and household finances to establish a solid foundation for the future. AFPSD said service members seeking information about its financial services may contact their nearest regional financial affairs unit. Information is also available through AFPSD’s official website and Facebook page.

The Ministry of National Defense convened the 49th meeting of its Gender Equality Task Force today. Chaired by Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien, the meeting addressed gender equality, a supportive workplace, and cultural diversity. Participants discussed ways to advance the Ministry’s gender equality initiatives and foster a high-quality working environment. The meeting was held at Bo’ai Camp this morning and attended by external members Yen Hsiang-luan, Chin Chi-fang, and Yu Chen-yi; representatives from the Executive Yuan’s Department of Gender Equality and the three service headquarters; and personnel responsible for related affairs at the National Defense University and other organizations. The responsible unit first reported on the implementation of action items from the previous meeting. Participants then discussed gender equality -related cases with the committee members, with the aim of continually improving the Ministry’s gender equality initiatives and creating a safe and gender-friendly environment. Vice Minister Hsu emphasized the importance of establishing robust gender equality systems. The soundness of these systems affects how cases are investigated and handled, as well as personnel’s trust in the systems. Current systems and operating mechanisms should therefore be reviewed continuously, with deficiencies addressed and improvements made. This will strengthen procedures for handling gender equality -related cases, provide more appropriate safeguards, and foster a safe and supportive workplace. Vice Minister Hsu also noted that while the relevant systems continue to be reviewed and improved, gender equality -related cases must be handled carefully in accordance with applicable requirements. In particular, the composition of the relevant committees and the investigation process must ensure procedural fairness and impartiality while protecting the rights and interests of all parties. This will ensure that service members can focus on combat readiness and training in a safe, respectful, and equitable workplace.

Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien visited northern Taiwan today to inspect a psychological warfare task force participating in the the live exercise phase of Han Kuang 42 Exercise. He observed the Third Theater of Operations’ strategic communications exercise and the integrated military-civilian dissemination of informational products. He instructed that all measures undertaken during the exercise be incorporated into the After Action Review (AAR) to support continued improvement and the establishment of comprehensive mechanisms for effectively supporting defensive operations. In the afternoon, Vice Minister Hsu, accompanied by Administrative Deputy Minister Lieutenant General Chen Wen-sing, Political Warfare Bureau Deputy Director-General Major General Hu Jui-hsun, Deputy Director of Political Warfare at Army Headquarters Major General Hsieh Yung-wei, and other officials, inspected the Third Theater of Operations’ strategic communications exercise and integrated military-civilian dissemination activities. He reviewed the specifications of the psychological warfare task force’s equipment and its workflow for producing strategic communications materials. He also visited a mobile broadcasting vehicle and an information operations vehicle to examine materials produced during the exercise. The psychological warfare task force explained that, in supporting the Third Theater of Operations, it used the information operations vehicle to produce graphics, videos, and other strategic communications materials tailored to each phase of operations. These materials were disseminated through drones, electronic billboards, and other channels. Mobile broadcasting vehicles were also deployed throughout the theater to broadcast favorable battlefield developments and accurate information. The Northern Area Reserve Command said the exercise not only validated military-civilian integration but also leveraged reserve advisory cadres to strengthen strategic communications within local communities. The Command concurrently conducted an inventory of available resources throughout the theater and established routine liaison mechanisms with individual administrative districts, creating important channels for future strategic communications activities. In his guidance, Vice Minister Hsu commended the various materials produced by the psychological warfare task force. He also praised the Reserve Command for assessing civilian resources throughout the theater and establishing coordination mechanisms during the Han Kuang Exercise. He emphasized that all measures should be incorporated into the AAR, with continued efforts to improve strategic communications materials, strengthen military-civilian cooperation, and develop feasible approaches for further validation in next year’s exercise. These efforts will enable psychological warfare units to support defensive operations effectively and enhance overall defense capabilities.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung visited the Greater Taipei area today to inspect units participating in the live exercise phase of Han Kuang 42 Exercise. He observed reserve-force mobilization and combat power regeneration, the defense of clustered strongpoints, and joint counter-airborne and counter-air-assault drills. He commended the efforts of thetheater of operationsto integrate active and reserve forces effectively and enhance overall defense capabilities. Accompanied by Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien and other officials, Minister Koo began his inspection by receiving a mission briefing from the Taipei Brigade. He reviewed the brigade’s progress in regenerating combat power following full mobilization, as well as its overall plans for reserve forces to conduct mutually supporting and coordinated defensive operations. During the inspection, personnel from the mortar battalion demonstrated 120 mm mortar firing procedures, showcasing their training achievements and ability to provide fire support following mobilization. Minister Koo also spoke with mobilized reservists about their professional expertise and what they had gained from refresher training, and invited them to offer suggestions drawn from that experience. Minister Koo said reserve cadres should understand the professional backgrounds and experience of mobilized reservists and assign them suitable duties according to the principle of “matching personnel to appropriate roles.” This would allow reservists to apply their expertise in the right positions and rapidly translate their expertise into combat power. He added that, in accordance with the overall operational concept, active and reserve forces must be effectively integrated, with forces and firepower appropriately deployed to maximize overall operational effectiveness. Minister Koo later inspected a field drill conducted by personnel from the 229th Military Police Battalion, the 66th Marine Brigade, and the Taipei Brigade to counter airborne and air assault operations. He reviewed their overall command-and coordination capabilities and their ability to employ forces effectively. Minister Koo recognized the dedication and hard work of active-duty personnel and mobilized reservists in combat-readiness training. He encouraged them to continue their efforts and work together to transform their exercise and training experience into solid combat capabilities for safeguarding national security.