Tsai to Propose New Military Strategy in 2017

 

 

Source: All Taipei newspapers    August 26, 2016

 

 

The annual Han Kuang live military exercises (漢光演習) were held in Pingtung County from August 22-26.

 

The military exercises simulate various scenarios of attacks from the Mainland’s People Liberation Army (PLA). 

 

Yesterday, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) presided over the military exercises as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, the first time since she came to office on May 20.

 

During her pep talks to men and women in uniform, Tsai talked about military reforms, saying that the ROC Armed Forces needed a new military strategy that would give a clear direction for national defense and change the culture in the military. “I have asked the Defense Ministry to complete first draft proposals by January next year. The task is ongoing under the guidance of Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) and Chief of the General Staff Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發),” said Tsai.  

 

Tsai told the men and women in uniform that the new military strategy would include opinions from all circles, including those within the military.  

 

Tsai stated, “Starting from this year, upgrading equipment for individual soldiers will be a top priority for the Defense Ministry. Reform is not an easy task. However, as long as we have the same goal and use the right strategy, we will definitely succeed in the end.”  

 

However, when asked about Tsai’s proposed new military strategy, Defense Ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi (陳中吉) merely stated that the military was still discussing various ideas.