As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) made a special trip to the Penghu area on Friday to thank troops for carrying out their duties, even during holidays, enabling the rest of Taiwan to celebrate peacefully.
The president, accompanied by Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) and National Security Council Deputy Secretary Liu Te-chin (劉得金), encouraged the soldiers, and inspected naval and aircraft equipment including IDF fighter jets, anti-aircraft systems, and Navy Fleet 146 Cheng Kung-class frigates. In addition, he also observed combat readiness drills, took photos with troops, and presented gifts.
President Lai then went to visit Navy Fleet 146 and, after sharing a meal, gave a speech in which he thanked them for their tireless efforts. He said that it is due to their daily commitment to guarding Taiwan’s maritime borders that the rest of the country could celebrate with peace of mind. Lai also mentioned that, despite some previous drills being suspended or canceled due to weather conditions, the national army has displayed only diligence and professionalism in all subsequent exercises.
The president also expressed gratitude during his inspections, making special use of ship broadcast systems while aboard one vessel to thank all sailors aboard for their hard work, as well as their families for their continued support. He also said that as commander-in-chief, he will ensure the government will continue to improve and provide support for all branches of the military from equipment to camp living conditions.