Newly inaugurated Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized regarding the Chinese military's encirclement exercises around Taiwan that "the Taiwanese government will uphold the values of freedom and democracy in the face of external challenges and threats."
According to Taiwan's Sanli News and others, President Lai Ching-te stated on the 23rd during his visit to the 66th Marine Brigade in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, "As the Commander-in-Chief of the three armed forces, I have the responsibility to protect the nation and safeguard the lives and property of all citizens."
This is the first time since his inauguration on the 20th that President Lai Ching-te, as the military commander, has visited a frontline military unit.
President Lai did not directly mention the large-scale military exercises initiated by the Chinese People's Liberation Army starting that day for a two-day schedule.
He stated that he will stand on the front lines with the national military to protect national security, emphasizing, "We will continue to promote defense reform and strengthen the overall combat capability of the military."
President Lai praised the efforts of the military personnel, including the marines, saying, "Taking good care of the military is taking good care of the country." He also urged, "Let us all work together to show the world our determination to defend democratic Taiwan."
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