Tainan City Mayor William Lai (賴清德) yesterday called for enhanced cross-strait ties and peaceful development with China, during an inspection of the nation’s warships in Tainan’s Anping Port (安平港).
Acting as host to Taiwan’s “Navy Goodwill Fleet,” Lai welcomed naval officers and crew on their two-day stopover at Anping, while voicing his support for a strong military able to protect the nation.
“In recent years, Taiwan has successfully advanced its democracy and economy, despite the presence of the powerful Chinese military across the Taiwan Strait. Naval officers in their strong defense for the security of the nation’s marine territories have contributed a lot to make this possible,” he said.
Photo: Hung Jui-chin, Taipei Times
“Looking to the future of the cross-strait relationship, Taiwan and China should enhance bilateral exchanges and interaction, to enable mutual learning and better understanding. If we establish these, then we can reach rapprochement and mutual peaceful development,” Lai said.
He also said that Taiwan must actively participate in cross-strait affairs, while improving the armed forces.
“When we have a strong national defense, then our nation’s secured existence can be guaranteed. I look forward to seeing all members of the armed forces striving to work together to protect the nation’s security, and to preserve the development of democracy and freedom,” he said.
This year’s “Navy Goodwill Fleet” consists of the 7,112-tonne Wuyi-class fast combat support ship AOE 530, the 3,200-tonne Kangding-class (converted Lafayette-class) Xining frigate FFG 1203, and two Guanghua VI missile boats.
The fleet is making port calls across the nation, at which the public will be able to board the ships.The stops have become popular events for city residents.
At yesterday’s event, an estimated crowd of 7,000 packed Anping Port, watching the pomp and pageantry on display by the navy’s ceremonial honor guards, along with music and entertainment provided by the Naval Academy’s drum corps and marching bands.
The fleet docked in Kaohsiung Port on Friday and Saturday, and arrived at Anping Port yesterday for its two-day stopover.
The Ministry of National Defense said it welcomes the public to visit these ships and enjoy the events put on by the Navy in the upcoming two weeks.
The fleet is scheduled to be at Penghu’s Magong Port (馬公港) on Wednesday and Thursday, Taichung City Harbor on Friday and Saurday, Keelung Port on Sunday and Monday next week, and Yilan County’s Suao Port (蘇澳港) on Wednesday and Thursday next week, and Hualien Port on Friday and Saturday next week.
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