President Tsai Ing-wen has vowed to reform the military. She was speaking Monday at a joint graduation ceremony for various military services.
The president’s vow came as the military continued to deal with criticism following last Friday’s accidental launch of an anti-ship missile. A fishing boat captain was killed and three crewmembers injured in the incident.
Tsai said that as commander in chief, she shares both honor and blame with the military.
“When the military does well, the honor is yours; when it makes a mistake, I myself must engage in some soul-searching. Together, we will find a way to get back on our feet. Only with reform, can there be dignity. Only with discipline can those reforms be implemented," said Tsai.
Tsai said there has long been disparity between Taiwan’s national defense and economic development, including a gap between the skills learned in the military and what’s needed for the private sector.
“I will do my best to enable our soldiers to not just be first-rate warriors, but also professional managers and engineers," said Tsai, "We will make investment in national defense a driving force of industrial innovation. When there are links between national defense and the private sector, you will be able to use your professional skills to contribute to industrial development when you return to civilian life."