The military should move toward a more modernized and efficient future through advanced technology, innovation and self-sufficiency, President William Lai (賴清德) said today at a promotion ceremony for military officers.
Officers are the core of the military, bearing the heavy responsibility of leadership and guiding their units forward, he said.
Among those promoted were former major generals Lou Woei-jye (樓偉傑) and Lin Chuan-sheng (林傳盛), who were named lieutenant generals.
Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office
The mission of generals is not only to carry on traditions, but to innovate, maintain a pragmatic attitude, base training on real combat, strengthen defense resilience and build credible asymmetric defense capabilities, Lai said.
The president said he hopes that the military would uphold the principles of mobility and agility, integrate emerging technologies, and strengthen capabilities in advanced military technology and weapons systems research, development and manufacturing capacity.
Lai also said he hopes the military would concentrate resources and shorten timelines, while implementing artificial intelligence and uncrewed systems.
As Taiwan faces the growing threat of authoritarianism and China’s political and military intimidation, it must continue to enhance combat power and build a “reliable, usable, credible and comprehensive” defense system to safeguard national security and sustainable development, he said.
Taiwan has advanced its defense self-sufficiency in recent years, making significant progress in defense technology and supply chain capacity, he added.
He also said that the government would continue to be the military’s “strongest supporter,” improving the quality of life for service members by improving barracks, offering skills training and providing childcare support and family care services.
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