TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) reiterated on Tuesday (Aug. 13) that all military deployments adhere to relevant regulations and do not interfere with combat missions. The statement came following the dispatch of F-16 fighter jets to welcome Olympic athletes back home.
Chang Ching-tai (張景泰), an official from the Political Warfare Bureau (國防部政戰局), praised the athletes and emphasized their determination and exemplary role for the public.
When the final group of athletes returned earlier that day, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) ordered an escort, mirroring the Tokyo Olympics' welcome. Three F-16 fighter jets escorted the EVA Air flight carrying Taiwan's Olympic athletes back home. The jets released flares to honor the athletes' return.
The jets began their mission at 5:17 a.m. over southwestern Taiwan. They continued to accompany the flight until 6:11 a.m., successfully completing the welcome mission.