President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) presided over a ceremony honoring high-ranking officers of the military on Thursday morning.
The president awarded the Order of the Sacred Tripod with Grand Cordon to the retiring Chief of Staff Chen Pao-yu (陳寶餘). The Order of the Cloud and Banner was given to Vice Minister of National Defense Wang Shin-lung (王信龍), who will soon take on the role of strategic advisor at the Presidential Office. Army Commander Chung Shu-ming (鍾樹明) and Navy Commander Tang Hua (唐華), both newly appointed, also received the Order of Resplendent Banner.
President Tsai spoke to Chen’s 40 plus years of service and wealth of experience, including his efforts to integrate the various branches of the military, strengthen joint combat exercises, and improve the capabilities of the reserves. Tsai says Chen is expected to continue to provide valuable advice on national defense matters.
The president also said she believes that Commanders Chung and Tang will continue to lead their officers and men well in protection of national security. She added that Commander Chung has taken over further tasks regarding combat readiness preparations and that she looks forward to Commander Tang's continued leadership in protecting national security.
The President thanked the officers for their dedication and said that with their efforts, the national defense reform has shown results over the past few years and will continue to do so in the future.