President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) urged the military to strengthen counterintelligence and security efforts in light of growing national security threats while presiding over a promotion ceremony for newly appointed generals on Wednesday.
Lai congratulated the generals for their years of hard work and emphasized their increasing responsibility. He also discussed the evolving geopolitical landscape and warned of rising authoritarian influence, particularly from China, which he said continues to use infiltration tactics to steal military secrets and undermine Taiwan’s security. He urged the generals to stay vigilant and uphold the core value of national defense.
Lai further reaffirmed his commitment to defense reform, citing his 17 strategies for national security threats facing Taiwan that he implemented in March this year, as well as the procurement of modern weapons and equipment. Lai also emphasized the need for self-defense capability, encouraging military leaders to embrace innovation and flexibility.
Two officers, Chen Chun-yuan (陳俊源) and Sun Li-fang (孫立方), were promoted to lieutenant general, while 11 were promoted to major general, including Lei Yong-qi (雷詠淇), the first female regular graduate of the R.O.C. Military Academy to be promoted to a general.