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.

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.

President Lai Ching-te presided over the “2026 Armed Forces Day and All-out Defense Education Day Awards Ceremony” today. He said the government would continue strengthening the Armed Forces’ combat capabilities and Taiwan’s overall defense resilience, advancing defense self-reliance, and caring for service members. He also thanked the Armed Forces for defending the homeland and all sectors of society for supporting national defense. The President called on everyone to stand united in safeguarding national security, democracy, freedom, and peace. President Lai was accompanied by Strategic Advisors to the Office of the President Huoh Shou-yeh, Lin Chen-yi, and Liu Jen-yuan; National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu; Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen; Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung; Chief of the General Staff Admiral Mei Chia-shu; Chief of Army General Lu Kun-xiu; Chief of Navy Admiral Chiang Cheng-kuo; Chief of Air Force General Cheng Jung-feng; National Defense University President Admiral Tang Hua; and Friends of Armed Forces Association Chairman Huang Cheng-tsung. During the ceremony, the President presented awards to Outstanding Armed Forces Personnel, Exemplary Armed Forces Units, organizations and individuals recognized for outstanding contributions to all-out defense education, exemplary supporters of the Armed Forces, and exemplary reserve advisory cadres. The awards recognized their exceptional contributions to national defense development, all-out defense education, military support initiatives, and reserve affairs. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Armed Forces Day would be celebrated the following day, September 3. He said he was pleased to gather with Armed Forces personnel and extended his sincerest congratulations and gratitude to all award recipients, including outstanding personnel, exemplary units, and exceptional partners in all-out defense education, military support initiatives, and reserve affairs. Those honored today are outstanding representatives of the Armed Forces and wider society. However, every service member who defends the nation and its people deserves the public’s heartfelt respect and gratitude. President Lai said this year’s award-winning units demonstrated the missions and responsibilities undertaken by the Armed Forces in different roles. The Assault Helicopter Group of the Army Aviation 602nd Brigade is responsible for air assaults, rapid reinforcement, and the transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies. After Typhoon Ragasa devastated Hualien last year, the unit deployed helicopters to transport search-and-rescue personnel and equipment into the disaster area, exemplifying the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending the homeland and protecting the people. The Air Force’s 41st Tactical Fighter Group of the 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing has long performed air defense alert duties. Amid rapidly evolving conditions around the Taiwan Strait, its personnel maintain combat readiness day and night, making the unit an essential force in protecting Taiwan’s airspace. Tseng Chung-fu, chief advisor to the Southern Taitung County Advisory Group, has also provided longstanding support for national defense. Last year, he assisted the Armed Forces in establishing an artillery live-fire training range in Taimali, expanding the military’s training capacity. These achievements vividly demonstrate both the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting the people and society’s support for the military. They are also concrete examples of all-out defense in practice. President Lai also highlighted Marine Corps company commander Captain Tsai Yin-lan, an Outstanding Armed Forces Personnel award recipient. From becoming Taiwan’s seventh female combat frogman to working her way through the ranks to become an officer, she exemplifies the younger generation’s courage in pursuing their aspirations. The President thanked all award recipients for their contributions. He expressed hope that the ceremony would allow the public to see the Armed Forces’ efforts and achievements while helping more young people understand that wearing the uniform and defending the nation is a calling worthy of pride. President Lai noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the “All-out Defense Education Act.” Over the past two decades, all-out defense education has expanded beyond schools and government agencies into society, enabling more people to understand and support national defense and participate in strengthening whole-of-society defense resilience. Faced with rapidly changing international conditions and the continued expansion of Chinese authoritarianism, Taiwan must not only continue enhancing the Armed Forces’ combat capabilities but also ensure that both the government and society possess sufficient response capacity. President Lai said Han Kuang 42 Exercise, completed last month, focused on realistic combat conditions and validated capabilities including joint operations and dispersed deployment while continuing to strengthen overall defense resilience. He expressed his recognition and gratitude to all officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted personnel who participated in the exercise. The President emphasized that every additional measure of preparedness makes the nation safer. Only by continually strengthening defense and deterrence can Taiwan better safeguard national security and regional peace. Accordingly, Taiwan’s overall defense budget for next year will exceed NT$1 trillion for the first time, reaching NT$1.1225 trillion and remaining above 3 percent of GDP. This demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its self-defense capabilities to the international community. The government will continue advancing defense self-reliance, developing the defense industry, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems, and enhancing Taiwan’s overall capacity to respond to future challenges. President Lai said people are at the heart of national defense capabilities. As the government supports national defense, it must also care for officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted personnel. From the administration of former President Tsai Ing-wen through President Lai’s tenure, the government has continued improving compensation for Armed Forces personnel. Last year, it approved increases to allowances for volunteer service members, combat units, tactical air control, electronic reconnaissance, and cyber operations. Drone units became eligible for the combat unit allowance in February this year. In July, the government also introduced Type III Combat Unit Allowance, providing an additional NT$4,000 per month to personnel serving in brigade-level and below units that provide combat service support. Conscripted officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted personnel serving in combat units are also eligible for the allowance. Additionally, the professional and supervisory allowances for military personnel, civil servants, and public school educators were each increased by NT$2,000 in July. A further 4% across-the-board pay raise will take effect next January, marking the government’s fifth pay increase for these personnel in 10 years. The “Xing’an Project” initiated by former President Tsai and the “Zhanxing Project” continued under President Lai are both intended to improve the Armed Forces’ living and training environments. The government is also strengthening childcare, family-care, and other forms of support so that service members can serve with peace of mind and concentrate on their missions. President Lai noted that the Armed Forces now enjoy considerable support from across society. Since July last year, six Taiwan-based airlines have offered military personnel priority boarding. In response to the government’s initiative, 640 brands and more than 20,000 retail locations are participating in this year’s corporate military appreciation campaign. The President thanked all businesses and sectors of society supporting the Armed Forces. He also expressed his gratitude to the military families present, emphasizing that their support is an indispensable part of Taiwan’s defense capabilities. President Lai concluded by stating that a nation’s true strength comes not only from advanced equipment but also from its people standing together in unity when challenges arise. When service members defend the nation, the government supports the Armed Forces, society places its trust in them, and the people cherish democracy and freedom, these combined strengths enable Taiwan to address any challenge. The President called on everyone in Taiwan to remain united in safeguarding national security and preserving democracy, freedom, and peace.

In celebration of Armed Forces Day on September 3, the “ROC Armed Forces Tribute Banquet from All Sectors of Society” was held today at the Taipei Hero House. The Friends of Armed Forces Association (FAFA), together with representatives from the business and industrial sectors, hosted exemplary Armed Forces personnel, other award recipients, and their families. The event paid the highest tribute to service members from all three services who have long remained steadfast at their posts, defending the nation and protecting its people. The banquet was co-hosted by Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung and FAFA Chairman Huang Cheng-tsung. In his remarks, Minister Koo first thanked FAFA for its longstanding efforts to support and recognize the Armed Forces. By bringing together resources from across society and fostering public appreciation for the military, these efforts enable service members and their families to feel the warmth and encouragement of the wider community while reinforcing their resolve to defend the nation. Minister Koo said the outstanding service members recognized as Armed Forces Exemplars, the commanders of Exemplary Units, and recipients of the Outstanding Contribution to All-out Defense Education Award have demonstrated exceptional professionalism and unwavering resolve. They serve as examples for all Armed Forces personnel and represent an important source of strength for the military’s future development. Service members’ ability to devote themselves fully to their military duties depends on the longstanding understanding and support of their families. The quiet dedication, care, and understanding of their families are essential to the Armed Forces’ unity and combat capabilities. Minister Koo emphasized that, with Armed Forces Day approaching, he hoped all sectors of society would continue demonstrating their support through concrete action, making the spirit of “the military caring for the people and the people respecting the military” a part of everyday life. The Armed Forces will continue improving and working to safeguard the security of the nation and its people, living up to society’s expectations. Chairman Huang said, “Where the Armed Forces stand, security endures.” Military personnel shoulder the responsibility for national security and the well-being of the people, devoting themselves selflessly to the nation at all times, without complaint or regret. Armed Forces Day is an occasion to pay tribute to the military and thank all service members for their contributions to national security and public well-being. Chairman Huang said FAFA would continue bringing together greater support from the private sector and conveying the care and support of all sectors of society to every service member, standing as the Armed Forces’ most steadfast comrade-in-arms.

Vice Minister of National Defense for Armaments General Chung Shu-ming today chaired the 2026 selection meetings for the “Outstanding Contribution Award in All-out Defense Education” and the “Outstanding Armed Forces Personnel and Exemplary Units.” He encouraged panel members to uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality, and transparency, apply their professional expertise, and objectively select outstanding individuals and organizations for recognition of their contributions to all-out defense education and excellence in combat readiness and training. Both meetings were held at the Ministry’s Bo’ai Camp. At the selection meeting for the “Outstanding Contribution Award in All-out Defense Education,” Vice Minister Chung first presented certificates of appointment to the panel members, who then reviewed the individuals and organizations nominated by participating units. At the selection meeting for “Outstanding Armed Forces Personnel and Exemplary Units,” the panel evaluated personnel and units nominated following preliminary selection according to the established criteria. Once the results of both selections are formally approved, the selected individuals and organizations will be publicly recognized at the Ministry’s “2026 Armed Forces Day and All-out Defense Education Day Awards Ceremony.” On behalf of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, Vice Minister Chung thanked the panel members for taking the time to participate. He expressed hope that they would select outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing all-out defense education, recognize their contributions to national defense, and continue supporting all-out defense education and major defense policies. Regarding the selection of “Outstanding Armed Forces Personnel and Exemplary Units,” Vice Minister Chung said the honorees represent the exceptional performance of Armed Forces personnel over the past year in combat readiness and training, military discipline, and other areas. Their selection also serves as important recognition of the dedication and hard work of frontline personnel and units. He therefore urged panel members to avoid preconceived judgments and ensure that those selected are truly worthy of serving as examples for the entire Armed Forces. Vice Minister Chung also encouraged relevant units to highlight the achievements of the selected personnel and units through a variety of publicity and media channels, showcasing their dedication to combat readiness and training and allowing their example to inspire others. At the same time, service members and units that performed exceptionally well but were not selected should also receive appropriate recognition and encouragement.

The Ministry of National Defense’s “2026 National Airsoft Shooting Competition, Northern Preliminary Round” opened today at Fu Hsing Kang College. Presided over by Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien, the event featured competitive airsoft shooting, close-quarters battle (CQB), and simulated battlefield scenarios. Twenty teams comprising 107 reservists from cities and counties across northern Taiwan participated. Military equipment displays and drone demonstrations also attracted nearly 10,000 visitors. The event aimed to deepen all-out defense education and strengthen whole-of-society defense resilience. Vice Minister Hsu presided over the opening ceremony at the National Defense University’s Fu Hsing Kang College campus. Attendees included National Security Council Advisors Huang Chung-yen and Liu Te-chin; Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen; National Cultural Association of Taiwan Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching; Chief of Army General Lu Kun-xiu; All-out Defense Mobilization Agency Director-General Lieutenant General Liao Chien-shing; Reserve Command Commander Lieutenant General Yu Wen-chen; National Defense University Vice President Lieutenant General Liu Pei-chih; Sixth Army Corps Commander Lieutenant General Lien Chih-wei; Political Warfare Bureau Director-General Lieutenant General Shih Shun-wen; and local village and neighborhood chiefs. In his opening remarks, Vice Minister Hsu first expressed his sincere appreciation to the National Security Council and the organizing units, while paying his highest respects to all participating teams. He said the competition had been made possible by everyone’s collective effort and participation. Hsu explained that the airsoft shooting competition series was initiated at the President’s direction. Under the guidance of the National Security Council and with assistance from the Ministry of the Interior, education authorities, the National Cultural Association of Taiwan, and other organizations, the MND organized the event in partnership with the National Defense Education Association and Formosa Defense Vision. Taiwan’s national security is underpinned not only by its semiconductor and AI industries, but also by the many civil society organizations and businesses that support the country. Reservists and civil defense teams likewise play a vital role in strengthening whole-of-society defense resilience, Vice Minister Hsu noted. Hsu emphasized that the competition was more than a sporting event. It also served as an important platform for strengthening whole-of-society defense resilience. Competitive shooting helps participants develop concentration, judgment, mental resilience, and the ability to respond under pressure, while most importantly fostering teamwork. He added that the value of the competition lay not merely in winning or losing, but in exchanging experience, learning from one another, and growing together. He encouraged participants to uphold the principles of “safety first, fair competition, and friendship through shooting,” follow the rules, respect the judges’ decisions, and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Regardless of the results, every participant who embraced the challenge and gave their all deserving recognition as a winner. Vice Minister Hsu and the attending guests then conducted the opening ceremony and fired the ceremonial first shots. He subsequently visited exhibits presented by the police, fire services, reservists, and the Armed Forces to learn more about their displays. He also thanked participating service members for their hard work and presented an additional food allowance to the units involved. Held in conjunction with the opening of Fu Hsing Kang College campus to the public, the event also featured military equipment displays, drone demonstrations, and interactive all-out defense education exhibits. Through these diverse displays and direct public engagement, the Ministry hopes to deepen all-out defense education, promote whole-of-society defense resilience, and put into practice the conviction to “preserve peace through strength and defend our homeland through action.”

Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien presided today over the Republic of China 2026 “All-Out Defense Education – Social Education” Seed Instructor Training Workshop. On behalf of Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, he welcomed participants from various sectors and encouraged them to strengthen teaching capabilities through professional study, expand the foundation for promoting all-out defense education, build consensus among the public, and enhance Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience. The workshop was held this morning at the Bo’ai Camp. All-out defense affairs personnel recommended by various county and city governments, along with scholars from civil society, participated in the training. The curriculum covered topics such as “National Defense Policy,” “International Situation,” “Media Literacy,” and “All-Out Defense.” Experts and scholars including Director Su Tzu-yun and Researcher Lee Che-chuan from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research were invited to deliver special lectures and analyses. In addition, the Department of Strategic Planning explained the “Special Act on Defense Procurement,” enabling participants to understand its importance to overall national defense. Vice Minister Hsu stated that, facing the future task of promoting all-out defense education, seed instructors had to clearly convey national defense concepts to the public, explaining “why we fought and for whom we fought” — that was, to safeguard the homeland, protect their way of life, and ensure the safety of the 23 million people in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, while clearly recognizing the current security challenges. Vice Minister Hsu pointed out that the war in Ukraine had shown that national defense did not rely solely on military combat power; the key had lain in the will of the entire population to defend the country. Only through the joint participation of the whole society could overall defense strength be formed. He also emphasized that war depended not only on weapons and equipment but also required strong will and resilience to effectively respond to various challenges. Vice Minister Hsu further explained that the forms of modern warfare had evolved rapidly, and unmanned systems had become a key element in operations. Taiwan had possessed advantages in the relevant industry supply chain, particularly holding a critical position in the “non-red supply chain,” and should continue to strengthen development capabilities. At the same time, as Taiwan had been located at the core of the First Island Chain, it had needed to enhance overall defense capabilities in response to changes in the regional situation. Regarding the special defense budget, Vice Minister Hsu pointed out that the relevant planning had been carefully formulated based on overall operational requirements and had covered areas such as strike firepower, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, command and control operations, and sustained combat capabilities. He emphasized that all military buildup elements had to be constructed holistically and work in coordination to effectively enhance national defense combat power. Vice Minister Hsu stressed that the allocation of the special budget had been based on overall national defense development needs and coordinated with domestic industry capabilities. Through stable planning and long-term investment, it had strengthened defense self-reliance and supply chain resilience, ensuring the continuous advancement of military buildup and readiness.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) is holding a two-day all-out defense education campaign in collaboration with Feng Chia University today. This morning, the Army Aviation 602nd Brigade specially dispatched AH-1W SuperCobra and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to land at the sports field in the university, allowing the public to experience up close the powerful wind and sound of the helicopters. Through the display of military equipment, visitors of all ages were able to experience the national defense first-hand, understand it, thereupon foster support for nationwide defense. During the campaign, in addition to dynamic flight demonstrations of these two types of helicopters, various active military equipment was showcased, including the CM-32/33 Armored Vehicle, field broadcast vehicle, TOW Missile Carrier, and the field ambulance which is firstly open to public. These displays highlighted the military’s diverse mobility and rescue capabilities. At the same time, multiple interactive experience and recruitment booths were set up on-site, allowing visitors to wear combat gear, try on chemical protection suits, and participate in psychological warfare unit puzzle challenges and other mini-games. These activities provided attendees with memorable and novel experiences, helping to bridge the gap between the military and civilians. Major Chiu, the team leader responsible for the helicopter landing mission, stated that upon receiving the assignment, he immediately started the planning of all flight safety details and led his team to conduct site inspections and simulated test flights to ensure a flawless mission. This was the first time a helicopter landing was performed on the Feng Chia University campus. Major Chiu emphasized that under the premise of ensuring flight and public safety, the event also aimed to showcase the hard work and training achievements of the R.O.C. Armed Forces, with a hope that younger generation interested in serving the nation would consider joining the Armed Forces to contribute to the defense of their homeland. In addition, the "Taiwan International Model Show – Taichung Weei Cup and Science Fantasy" was held simultaneously at Feng Chia University, featuring exquisite models across 11 categories, including military vehicles, military aircraft, ships, and science fiction. The MND also established the "MND Special Prize for All-out Defense Education " to recognize participants whose creations highlight military equipment, helping to raise public awareness of the armed forces.