TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered a resolute call for military readiness and national defense during a joint graduation ceremony for Taiwan's military academies on Thursday (June 26) in Kaohsiung, the island's southern port city. Addressing rows of newly commissioned officers in their formal uniforms, Taiwan's commander-in-chief emphasized that professional conduct and rigorous self-discipline form the backbone of the nation's defense capabilities amid growing regional tensions.
The ceremony featured a high-profile delegation of Taiwan's security leadership, with President Lai flanked by National Security Council (國家安全會議) Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), a veteran diplomat known for his strong advocacy of Taiwan's international recognition, and Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄), as they conferred diplomas and achievement awards upon the graduating class. During his formal address, President Lai spoke candidly about the geopolitical landscape facing the democratic island, particularly highlighting what he described as the expanding threat of authoritarian regimes and emphasizing the critical responsibility of military forces to safeguard national security during a period of increasing global uncertainty and instability.
In a structured portion of his speech, the president articulated three core expectations for the newly commissioned officers entering Taiwan's armed forces. His first priority centered on maintaining the strict disciplined culture that defines professional military organizations, with President Lai asserting that military dignity fundamentally derives from the personal conduct and professional demeanor of every service member, particularly those in leadership positions. The second expectation focused on the defense of Taiwan's sovereignty, with Lai emphasizing that genuine peace can only be achieved through strength and preparedness, not concession. Throughout this section, he repeatedly stressed the essential role of national unity in protecting both Taiwan's territorial integrity and its hard-won democratic institutions.
Returning to the theme of authoritarian challenges in the region, President Lai called for heightened vigilance and continued military modernization as essential components of Taiwan's security strategy. He specifically challenged the graduating officers to become agents of innovation within the armed forces, pledging his administration's commitment to defense reforms and increased support for military capabilities and professional development. The president concluded his remarks with an inspirational charge to the new officers, encouraging them to embrace their responsibilities with both courage and confidence as they work to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for Taiwan while defending the democratic values and freedoms that distinguish the island from authoritarian systems across the Taiwan Strait. ◼
