President Tsai Ing-wen says the government will take the nature of military work into consideration when pushing for pension reforms. She was speaking Friday at an award ceremony honoring distinguished soldiers.
The ceremony was also held to observe Armed Forces Day, which falls on September 3rd.
Tsai’s comments come at a sensitive time, with veterans, and retired teachers and civil servants, gearing up for a mass rally on Saturday to protest against pension reforms.
Tsai said the public has differing views about the reforms. She called on the military to keep a cool head.
“Pension reforms are not easy. Different occupations have different considerations and they must be dealt with one at a time and through communication. Soldiers retire earlier because they have shorter careers. We will take the unique nature of their job into consideration. Please rest assured," said Tsai.
Tsai said that as commander-in-chief, she will not sit idly by if anyone attempts to demonize or humiliate the military.