TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended the Ministry of National Defense's (國防部) annual military commendation ceremony Tuesday (Sept. 2), honoring outstanding service members and national defense education contributors. The "114th Military and National Defense Education Day Commendation Conference" (114年軍人節暨全民國防教育日表揚大會) recognized exemplary military groups and award-winning defense models. The ceremony highlighted Taiwan's military achievements amid regional security challenges.
President Lai congratulated the recipients and emphasized the ceremony's significance amid Taiwan's deteriorating security environment. He highlighted China's escalating activities around the Taiwan Strait as threats to Taiwan's democracy and the broader global democratic community. The president reflected on historical military lessons, noting that unity leads to victory while aggression results in defeat, and announced that Taiwan's 2026 defense budget will reach 3.32% of GDP with goals to increase spending to 5% by 2030.
The Navy's 168th Fleet earned recognition as an exemplary military group after demonstrating exceptional unity through successful missile drills and patrol missions under Naval Fleet command. The Air Force's 1st Wing 9th Operations Squadron, stationed at Magong (馬公) Airport, maintains constant vigilance while defending Taiwan's southern airspace from potential threats. The Army showcased rapid adaptation capabilities with M1A2T tanks, successfully completing 120 mm tank gun firing exercises in July. ◼