President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) invoked the “Whampoa spirit” of patriotism and commitment to protect the country as he presided over the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Republic of China (ROC) Military Academy in Greater Kaohsiung yesterday.
The academy started as the Whampoa Academy in Guangdong Province, China, founded in 1924 by Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙).
In 1950, it was re-established in Kaohsiung as the ROC Military Academy following the government’s relocation to Taiwan after Nationalist forces lost the Chinese civil war.
Photo: CNA
At a joint graduation of military cadets that coincided with the academy’s 90th anniversary, Ma described the Whampoa Spirit as disinterest in material wealth, fearlessness, and love for the country and its people.
He said that first and foremost, armed forces personnel must be loyal to their country, abide by the Constitution and protect the people.
With China continuing to refuse to reduce its military deployment targeting Taiwan, the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region is filled with uncertainties, he said.
After holding joint naval drills with Russia in the East China Sea in May, China will participate for the first time in the US-led Rim of the Pacific naval exercises beginning on Thursday next week, he added.
He said the military must continue to strengthen its capabilities to ensure the nation’s security, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
In light of China’s continued military buildup, Taiwan will carry on its security cooperation with the US to maintain a cross-strait military balance, he said.
Ma said that the military needs to promote reforms to maintain a streamlined yet powerful force, reaffirming his administration’s goal for an all-volunteer military.
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