TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) commissioned Taiwan's first M1A2T tank battalion Friday (Oct. 31) at Hukou Armored Force Base. The Army's 584th Armored Brigade's 3rd Battalion received advanced American tanks during the ceremony. Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining Taiwan Strait peace through military strength.
Lai declared true peace comes only through military strength, not peace agreements or yielding to aggressors. He praised the 3rd Battalion as the first unit completing specialized M1A2T tank training. The battalion achieved high combat capability evaluation marks, demonstrating exceptional armored force training results.
Lai emphasized the military must adopt new training methods to enhance combat capabilities. He urged implementing "asymmetric warfare spirit" to fulfill "resolute defense and layered deterrence" strategy. Taiwan must maintain current status with dignity, opposing annexation, aggression, unification, and "one country, two systems".
Lai reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to its free and democratic constitutional system. He declared Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. Taiwan's sovereignty remains inviolable and its future must be decided by 23 million people. ◼