MNA

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (5 th ) that the Armed Forces adopted joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance measures to keep abreast of the whereabouts of the CCP aircraft carrier, Shandong, and the formation of vessels when they passed through the Bashi Channel alongside the southeast waters of Taiwan as it unveiled its first voyage training in the western Pacific. Our Navy and Air Force, as well as our land-based radar system, were well placed to record the movements and implement close surveillance and monitoring. The MND pointed out that as the CCP continuously dispatches aircraft and warships to provoke the sea-water and airspace around Taiwan it not only poses a real threat to our national security, but also undermines regional security and the stability of the status quo. Such actions are surely not what a responsible modern country should be doing. The MND emphasized that"external pressure will not hinder our determination to go global", and the Armed Forces will continue to monitor developments around the Taiwan Strait closely as well as uphold the principle of "Not Escalating Conflict, and Not Triggering Fights" to deal with any challenges. The MND is confident that it has the ability and determination to safeguard our national security.

Naval Fleet Command stated today (3 rd ) that the Navy Goodwill Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron has incorporated three vessels and warships for the year 2023: the Panshih fast combat support ship (oil and bomb supply ship), Cheng De warship (Kangding-class missile frigate), and Pan Chao warship (Chung Kung-class frigate). These three warships will be open for the public to visit at each port of berth to inspire young people to join the navy in the future. Naval Fleet Command said that the training of the Goodwill Midshipmen Cruising & Training Squadron mainly entails providing fresh graduates from the navy academy, and political warfare, management, and technology colleges with the opportunity to participate in cruise training so they may gain practical experience to support their studies and lay a good foundation as they aspire to a career in the navy in the future. The opening times at each port for domestic cruising training: (1) Kaohsiung Port: March 10 and 11 (Friday, Saturday) 0900 to 1500. (2) Anping Port: March 12 and 13 (Sunday, Monday) 0900 to 1500. (3) Magong Port : March 14 and 15 (Tuesday, Wednesday) 0900 to 1500. (4) Taichung Port: March 17 and 18 (Friday, Saturday) 0900 to 1500. (5) Keelung Port: March 19 and 20 (Sunday, Monday) 0900 to 1500. (6) Suao Port: March 24 and 25 (Friday, Saturday) 0900 to 1500. (7) Hualien Port: March 26 and 27 (Sunday, Monday) 0900 to 1500. The general public and students across the country are welcome to visit and enjoy an unforgettable national defense day out. Visitors must bring their ROC ID card or other photographic identification documents to verify their identity as a national. Visitors are also encouraged to arrive at the port early to avoid disappointment.

1. The All-out Mobilization Law was announced on November 14, 2001, and has twice been amended in 2014 and 2019 respectively. Current provisions mostly stipulate the issues of mobilization preparation, but regulations such as command chains after mobilization as well as timely requisition are insufficient. As such, the MND has started to revise the law after considering the regional threat and the need to embody the concept of "National Defense" to jointly safeguard the homeland, and hopes that the revision expands the relevant supporting mechanisms and furnishes overall mobilization. 2. Since the effectiveness of mobilization operations in times of emergency is very much related to the continuous existence of a country, the majority of nations around the world have emphasized that they must be fully prepared in case of war. In fact, Article 13 of the current All-out Mobilization Law stipulates that each mobilization preparation institute shall conduct investigations, statistics, and plans with regard to manpower, material resources, facilities, and others for mobilization, and is authorized to implement verification drills to ensure mobilization is sufficient according to plan during wartime and to effectively resist foreign invasion. Since an All-out Mobilization Law is a legal enactment for a critical moment when a country enters a state of emergency, its necessary control measures relevant enshrined in law should only apply during such state of emergency; it does not impact nor infringe on the freedom and rights of people during peacetime. 3. The legal enactment of the All-out Mobilization Law is for the necessary measures by democratic countries when faced with threats from an enemy to help build national security and ensure the survival of its nationals. Following the announcement of the draft amendments by the MND, a consultation will be held to account for the opinions of the general public, reviewed accordingly following due procedures, and then submitted to the Executive Yuan for assessment. As such, the MND hopes that the amendments can be furnished in line with the common goal of protecting national security, and that communications and discussion following such amendments remain factual; the media must not randomly and willfully distort the facts and cause understandings. Once again, the MND firmly and seriously clarifies the necessity and importance of this law and its amendments to protect people’s rights and safeguard national security.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (27 th ) that a USP-8A aircraft has flown from north to south through the Taiwan Strait. During its passage through the Taiwan Strait, the Armed Forces stayed ahead of developments around the peripheral sea waters and airspace, and conditions were considered normal.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (18 th ) that an analysis and comparison of the balloon remains discovered by Dongyin Area Command recently were conducted by a professional team organized by the MND. The remnants were found to be from a meteorological sounding instrument free from any cameras (recordings) and audio-visual equipment. As pointed out by the MND, the internal structure of the balloon includes antenna, temperature (humidity) sensing elements, data transmitter boards, lithium batteries, and other components, but without any cameras (recordings) or related storage devices. The recovered remnants were dismantled and underwent forensic analysis. As such, the device is believed to be of the same structure as a sound balloon. The MND has further clarified that most of the air balloons discovered around the Taiwan Strait have been concentrated around the time from December to February based on statistics of recent years, as they are timed to the prevailing winding direction. The MND will continue to make use of joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance measures to closely follow developments around the Taiwan Strait.

In response to media reports about “the low acceptance rate of the voluntary registration system for education recall as shown in a survey”, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has clarified as follows today (10 th ): 1. At a regular press conference held on January 17 this year, the MND issued the announcements and explanations of various quotas, qualifications, training units, and the online registration system for reserves who wish to volunteer to participate in call-up training. As noted in the announcements, all reserves who have been discharged within the past 12 years, meet the physical requirements, and have not been included in the call-up lots this year are encouraged to sign up for training. 2. In line with the first handling to be held this year, there will be 65 training units for men with a quota of 575, and eight training units for women with a quota of 220. Some recent applicants for voluntary recalls have misunderstood that they were not accepted this time, but they are, in fact, still on the list to be matched with the appropriate expertise and rank at a later point. As such, the MND has already contacted the relevant applicants and explained that will match those who have signed up based on expertise and rank to the authorized training unit in due course. 3. Male and female reserves who volunteer for call-up training will follow the current training mode. They will report to the training, be organized, be given training in tactical positions, and will be provided with related courses such as professional expertise, marching, camping, shooting training, and combat drills to ensure effective combat skills training.

In response to media reports about the "schooling arrangement of draftees" and "substitution service", the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has clarified today (13th) as follows: 1. The adjustment of the compulsory military service period is a major policy of the country. To enable draftees to fulfill their national obligations while undertaking studies and taking career planning into account, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is currently discussing flexible schooling arrangements of draftees with various colleges and universities. The MND will, after the MOE has finalized the relevant support packages, continue to work with the MOE to ensure appropriate measures are in place.　 2. For quite some time, the MND and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) have maintained close connections on issues such as the adjustment of the service period and revisions of body classification standards. The MOI stated that draftees born after 2005 must, aside from those who have met the body classification requirements for substitution service, comply with two categories, family and religion, if they are to fulfill substitution service. 3. In view of adjusting each and every supporting measure to render the compulsory service period complete, the MND will maintain contact with the relevant ministries and committees to implement and promote the policy to ensure the wellbeing and security of our nationals.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (6th) that a US destroyer sailed northward through the Taiwan Strait. During the passage through the Taiwan Strait, the Armed Forces were in full control of developments in the surrounding sea and airspace, and the situation was considered normal.

The flag-raising ceremony of the Republic of China at the Presidential Palace on New Year’s Day 2023 was themed on “The will of everyone unite like a fortress asTaiwan moves forward”, and personally hosted by President Tsai. During theceremony, all the military and civilians present sang the national anthem led byMD300 Taiwan of Lions Clubs International, expressing love and recognition for their nation. The national flag was slowly raised to the anthem in celebration of the first day of 2023 for the Republic of China. Minister Chiu of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) led General Chan, Chief of Staff, Mr. Bai Hong-hui, Deputy Minister of Military Affairs, General Wong, the Deputy Minister of Military Armaments, representatives from each unit of the joint chief officers, and a total of 477 student representatives from about 10 military schools including the Military, Naval, and Air Force Academy, Political Warfare College, Management College, Technology College, and Medical College of the National Defense University, the Army Academy, Air Force Institute of Technology, and the Chung Kyoga Armed Forces Preparatory School. Members from MD300 Taiwan of Lions Clubs International were invited to sing the national anthem at the New Year’s Day event at the Presidential Palace. Also performing were the demonstration band of the MND and honor guard of the ROC, who showed their gratitude to our nationals for preserving through the pandemic and helping Taiwan advance in the international arena. Meanwhile, 10 military colleges and universities also participated in the flag-raising ceremony. The MND emphasized that the flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of China to mark 2023 is an important celebration of the country. To honor the theme of the event, “The will of everyone unite like a fortress as Taiwan moves forward”, the honor guard of the ROC and demonstration band of the MND not only displayed perfect strength and splendor in appearance and bearing, but also love for their country. Students from military colleges and universities in attendance represented the next generation of military might at the flag-raising ceremony.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (25th) that in the second half of 2022, eight individuals of the Armed Forces will be promoted to Lieutenant General, including Chan Wen-sing, Wan Wen-zhuo, Liu Pei-chi, Tsai Jiang-song, Jian Hua-ching, Chan Yu-lin, Kuo Chi-guo, and Ma Chun-chao. Another 20 individuals – Xiong Sheng-rong, Lee Jin-sin, Weng Sun Wei-xin, Wang Wen-hong, Chan Jun-liang, Chan Da-ching, Chan Bao-zuo, Liao De-sheng, Wu Chang-feng, Hsu Cheng-hui, Yao Sheng-long, Lee Tai-ping, Wang Sin-wei, Lin Chang-liang, Chan Shun-ru, Liu Dai-rui, Wei Chong-sing, Chan Ming-feng, Wang Tian Yao-zong, and Jiang Yuan-chi will be promoted to Major General. The MND is planning to hold a ceremony at 9:30 am on December 26th (Monday) at the guest-reception hall of the MND Boai Building for servicemen from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who are to be promoted to General in the second half of 2022. The MND has cordially invited the President to come in person to deliver instruction and encouragement to boost the morale of the Armed Forces.