President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) visited a military base on Taiwan’s outlying Penghu islands Tuesday morning. Tsai met with troops stationed there and inspected the naval logistics support command in the city of Magong. She observed the ongoing maintenance and repair operations for various types of ships and engines at the Magong base. She also visited the Air Force's Seventh Radar Squadron and presided over the completion ceremony of the Wude Camp.
The president also oversaw a combat simulation based on a scenario in which China’s People's Liberation Army occupies the Wude Airport in Penghu.
In a speech, Tsai emphasized the government's commitment to defense reform as it aims to build a more efficient and modernized military. She says it is essential to improve training quality and upgrade base facilities. Tsai says the government is working to speed up renovations on outdated barracks, with 102 projects carried out so far.
President Tsai says the defense budget reached a historic high of over NT$6 billion (US$192.6 million) this year. She says the government is committed to expanding support for the armed forces. Tsai adds that the soldiers are stationed in an area of strategic importance, expressing gratitude to all personnel for their dedication to national security, especially during the upcoming Lunar New Year.