MNA

(Reporter Chou Li-xing of Military News Agency, Yilan, 27th) The ceremony was held in the morning at Lun Teh Shipbuilding Yard of Suao, Yilan. The Yilan County Mayor, Lin Zi-miao, Legislator Wang Ding-yu, Chen Ou-po and others were invited to the grand event to witness this great naval achievement. Chang Chong-cheng, President of the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST), handed over the delivery certificate to the Navy Commander, General Liu Chi-bin, and presented a model Ta Chiang warship. Later, Minister Chiu awarded the naval flag to the first captain, Major Liu. The Ta Chiang warship was formally handed over to the Navy and is now a force in the defense of our waters. In his speech, Minister Chiu first expressed his sincere gratitude to the project team members of the Navy, CSIST, and Lung Teh Company for their uninterrupted collaboration and full support of the domestic shipbuilding industry. Minister Chiu said the excellent results and smooth delivery of the Ta Chiang warship could not have been possible without everyone's hard work and dedication. It also symbolizes the combat power of our Navy which has reached a new milestone. Minister Chiu pointed out that the warship was personally named by the commanders-in-chief of the three armed forces, President Tsai, after the Tawa River in Taitung County. The Tawa River is considered an area of livelihood by ​​the aboriginal Paiwan tribe who are noted for their fearless spirit when faced with difficulty, and bravery and skill in combat. The president named the warship after a feature of Taiwan to remind all servicemen who grow up on this land to take on responsibility and stand at the fore to safeguard democracy and freedom. As such, servicemen must bear this important task and become the maritime fortress and lighthouse of Taiwan, guarding the borders of the Republic of China.　 Minister Chiu further added that the word "tower" also represents the hardship of our "indigenous shipbuilding" work, and only by accumulating each grain of sand to build a tower can we build excellent ships that meet the expectations of our nationals to defend the Republic of China. The Ta Chiang warship is not only equipped with excellent firepower and high maneuverability, but also has quick execution capabilities in attack missions. It has also been further refined and modified to improve navigation stability and concealment after the design basis of the Tou River-class corvette, not to mention its TC-2 air defense missile. She is not only the first small vessel with regional air defense firepower in the Navy's possession, but has also become a key part combat of capabilities of the Armed Forces to effectively carry out its mission of "defending tenaciously, and continually deterring." Minister Chiu indicated that autonomous national defense has always been an important policy of our country. The implementation of the two benchmarking projects of "Indigenous Shipbuilding" and "Indigenous Jet-plane Manufacturing" is President Tsai's top concern in military build-up. Nonetheless, it is not a simple task. The shipbuilding industry is actually more than just a comprehensive industry; the construction of warships also involves integrated technologies in many fields such as battle systems and combat systems. Lung Teh Company, which is responsible for the construction of the "Ta Chiang Warship", has been regarded as a driving force of innovation and technological advancement after it undertook the contract, and every employee accepts the challenge with great enthusiasm. Furthermore, every step they take drives quality shipbuilding, making Lung Teh Company a model of development for defense industry.　 Minister Chiu stressed that the task of military build-up for national defense is tough, long, and demanding and can hardly be completed overnight. There is no such as things as low-cost national defense. The delivery ceremony of the Ta Chiang warship has not only demonstrated to our nationals the determination of the Armed Forces to defend the waters and territories, but also demonstrates how autonomous national defense policies have developed and helped boost industrial economic growth and innovative technologies, helping the industry breakthrough and maintain competitiveness in the face of adversity. This is considered a triple-win as it has enhanced the combat power of the Armed Forces, strengthened R&D energy and promoted industrial development. Minister Chiu has encouraged all servicemen who are to take over the Ta Chiang warship that fighting against the epidemic and defending the nation against the enemy are major tasks of the Armed Forces now. Faced with diverse and complex challenges, all must be prepared to continue strengthening various training tasks of combat readiness, and upholding the principle of "hoping for the best, but being prepared". Most of all, servicemen should train to improve, remain effective through training and exercises, and work together to contribute to the safety of the country and society, thus providing the strongest and most powerful guarantee to our country and nationals. Naval Command stated that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and CSIST have adopted a full case commissioning model. In response to the dramatic increase of threats from the enemy, the shipbuilding schedule has been accelerated to enhance the naval defense force. During the construction period, epidemic prevention regulations were followed as divisions were adopted. The use of time-sharing construction significantly advanced the delivery schedule by five months. In the future, the project will complete combat readiness as scheduled, to the expected quality standards and budget and incorporate the vessels into the naval forces. Most of all, the Navy will continue to uphold a prudent and rigorous attitude toward risk control and implement the policy of local vessel building, and calls on nationals for their continued support.

(Reporter Chen Jiun-jiun of Military News Agency, Taichung City, 21st) In response to the possible impact of the In-Fa typhoon, the 52nd Army Sapper Group carried out disaster preparedness today and inspected various machines and tools. When the disaster strikes, they can immediately assist in safeguarding people and property. The 52nd Sapper Group stated that the unit had just completed dredging the Li-Yu-Tan and Sun-Moon Lake Reservoir, and purifying sewage around areas of central Taiwan. When news of the typhoon broke, all officers and soldiers immediately demonstrated their high-efficiency combat power and mobilization capabilities to implement disaster prevention and preparation measures to minimize the damage. Their effort and efficiency have verified the disaster prevention and relief capabilities of the troops, and truly demonstrated their spirit of protecting the nation.

(Reporter Hsieh Hung-kuai of Military News Agency, Taipei, 14th) To expand vaccination numbers, the Taipei City Government today set up a large-scale vaccination station at Floral Expo Hall. It is estimated that the number of people vaccinated will exceed 10,000. To reduce the risk of infection due to the large flow of people, the 33rd Army Chemical Corps sent 30 servicemen to the site to support cleaning and disinfection efforts. The chemical troops arrived at the vaccination station at Floral Expo Hall early in the morning. Before people were allowed to enter, the troops first conducted comprehensive disinfection of the inoculation site, the queue area where people will wait to get vaccinated and public toilets. Medical staff were well-prepared and standing at the ready. During the vaccination operation, the chemical troops worked along the vaccine inoculation line to immediately implement disinfection measures at the seating areas after batches of people were vaccinated to ensure health and safety. Due to the vast space at Taipei Floral Expo Hall, the city government estimated that more than 10,000 people would come to get vaccinated. Aside from the chemical soldiers being stationed at the scene, the Taipei City Government also mobilized medical staff, the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and local police to assist with the vaccination operation. Two servicemen were grouped as a team to conduct disinfection at various points in shifts, and the military and civilians worked alongside each other to fight the epidemic and safeguard the health of the general public.

(Chen Jiun-jiun, reporter of Military News Agency, Taichung City, 9th )The Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital under the guidance of central and local governments performs various tasks such as rapid screening and quarantine for the new coronary pneumonia. In the face of the threat of the virus, the medical staff made every effort to demonstrate their professionalism and enthusiasm in their service. They wholeheartedly achieved the epidemic prevention mission. In cooperation with the Central Epidemic Command Center and the Health Bureau of the Taichung City Government, the Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital provides new coronary pneumonia screening operations. Medical staff are on the frontline to protect the health of communities through adherence to epidemic prevention work. The current service is divided into two groups at 9 am and at 1:00 pm. After the COVID testing stations were set up, medical staff wore airtight isolation gowns and worked at high temperatures every day. Some people were unable to go home to be with their relatives due to the epidemic and their working environment risk factors. Because of this, they could maintain their connection, care, and communication about each other’s health and safety through video chats. Medical staff work tirelessly in high-risk positions for the country’s epidemic prevention and to protect this homeland. The hospital also hopes that the people can truly abide by the epidemic prevention guidelines and do their part for Taiwan’s anti-epidemic work – everyone can fight the virus together.

(Reporter Chou Sheng-Wei of Military News Agency, New Taipei, 25th) In response to the extension of the level-three nationwide epidemic alert, the 33rd Army Chemical Corps today continued to send out officers and soldiers to Taipei, New Taipei, and Yilan to support disinfection efforts, and stood at the frontline fighting against the epidemic. They have safeguarded people to protect them from the epidemic. The 33rd Army Chemical Corps dispatched more than one hundred officers and soldiers in the morning to support disinfection missions in New Taipei City (Sanchong, Banqiao, Taishan and the MRT Yellow Line), Taipei City (screening stations, advanced rescue squadron ambulances, enhanced epidemic prevention and quarantine hotels), Yilan County (screening stations) and other places to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The 33rd Chemical Soldiers arrived at Zhonghe Station early in the morning to disinfect the MRT Yellow Line. Servicemen then made use of aerosol sterilizers in groups to target train platforms, waiting areas, stairs, elevators, each entrance and exit, and toilets, as well as other facilities that members of the public make contact with. These spots were carefully sprayed with disinfectant to ensure a safe environment for commuters.

(Reporter Lin Tse-Ting, Military News Agency Kaohsiung, 15th) As the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) epidemic continues, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital today dispatched nursing staff to assist the public in administering the NCP vaccine to increase the speed of vaccination roll-out as well as to reduce the risk of infection. Medical staff of Kaohsiung Armed General Hospital went to Kaohsiung San Sin High School of Commerce and Family Economics in the morning to administer the NCP vaccine to elderly persons over 87 years old. As they made use of the "umimachihoushiki" style of vaccination, patients simply sat and waited for their consultation and injections, which has improved the efficiency of vaccination administration. In addition, Major General Ke Chao-yuan, President of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, also visited the frontline to encourage the hardworking medical, nursing, and administrative staff, consulted with some of the elderly patients who received their vaccination, and learned more about current health and vaccination status. President Ke said that the vaccination was mainly carried out at the camp area as they worked with the 4th branch, while small units of servicemen were involved in arrangements to carry out inoculations quickly so were dispatched to the camp area as well. The targets of vaccinations included each of the troops from the 4th combat zone, EMT of city governments, the elderly, and cleaning personnel. Servicemen will work with full effort to complete vaccinations. President Ke emphasized that the administration method today was inspired by the "umimachihoushiki" style from Japan. Vaccinations were administered in open spaces to ensure social distancing. Based on this method, "patients do not move; medical staff move", so that 1,000 people can receive their vaccine in three hours, taking both quality and efficiency into consideration and aiming for herd immunity as soon as possible. Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital stated that the project targeted at the elderly from Lingya district was implemented through precise and fixed-point planning of Kaohsiung City Government in combination with 23 specialized hospitals. Under the guidance of the Military Medical Bureau, medical staff quickly followed command and staff operation procedures, and programmed tasks for execution. It is hoped that the mission can maximize the usage of limited vaccines and achieve herd immunity as soon as possible.

(Chen Jiun-Jiun, reporter of Military News Agency, 9th, Miaoli,) It was already the second day today as the 36th Army Chemical Corps conducted disinfection operations in the Miaoli area, while 40 servicemen, two heavy-duty disinfection vehicles, two Hummers vehicles, and personnel carry sterilizers as well as other equipment to disinfect public areas such as block streets, temples and stations, etc. The disinfection work was carried out thinking of those who have suffered and acting boldly for a just cause as servicemen help protect the health and safety of our nationals. Corporal Chan You-chen of the 36th Chemical Troops said that she was extremely honored to be able to serve the people with the 2nd Company of Reconnaissance. During the period of disinfection, although she stood at the very front line of the virus, she was not afraid as she has received good training. It also gives her much a lot of motivation and energy to carry the backpack-type sterilizer and perform operations as all are working in the spirit of solidarity to fight the epidemic. In the process of sterilization, she saw people taking the initiative to deliver supplies as they expressed their appreciation, which is also considered an important force that supports the chemical soldiers to keep going.

(Reported by Li Chung-Hsuan, Military News Agency, 5th Taipei, Taipei) To increase the momentum and capability of epidemic screening, the Armed Forces accepted the request from Hsinchu City Government yesterday and dispatched more than 100 officers and soldiers to Hsinchu Science Park. As quickly as possible, they set up 50 camouflage tents of screening stations within 8 hours, and their efficient operations inspired Lin Chih-Chien, mayor of Hsinchu, to express his great support via Facebook this morning. As noted on the Facebook of Lin Chih-Chien, camouflage military trucks of the Armed Forces drove into Hsinchu Science Park first thing on the morning of the 4th, an important hub for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry within the township, and "everyone was comforted by the Armed Forces’ arrival.” Upon their commander’s order, servicemen of the Armed Forces quickly unveiled their missions in good order. Within 8 hours, from 7 am to 3 pm, 50 dark-green camouflage tents popped up one after another in front of the residents. These tents not only symbolize the hope that safeguards the health of our people, but also the bastion of epidemic prevention that defends this important hub for Taiwan's semiconductor industry. Lin Chi-Chien commented that when he left the screening station of Hsinchu Science Park the day before yesterday, he received calls from many business owners of the park, hoping that the city government could assist the park companies in screening foreign migrant workers. The first idea to come to him was the Armed Forces – “the one with manpower, equipment, and good efficiency." As such, he immediately called and reported to the President, requesting assistance from the Ministry of National Defense (MND). Not much later, he received a call from the Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, and he noted, “The Armed Forces will fully back him up." Mayor Lin also rendered his thanks to the Armed Forces for helping the local government to jointly build up the security blockade to protect the health of citizens, as well as Taiwan’s strategic industries.

(Reported by Chen Jiun-Jiun, Military News Agency, 27th Changhua) With the mindset of "one life on the same island, let's work on epidemic prevention together," Lin Shih-Hsien, Mayor of Changhua City, went to the 36th Chemical Corps this morning and offered thanks to the officers and soldiers with Pan Dao-sheng, specialist of Changhua Military Service Station. To accommodate the needs of the Changhua County Government, the Armed Forces dispatched heavy-duty disinfection vehicles, Hummers, and personnel backpack disinfectors to carry out disinfection operations in spite of the hot weather. They disinfected main roads, schools, and government agencies to help effectively prevent the spread of the epidemic and protect the health and safety of our nationals. Mayor Lin pointed out that Changhua is extensive in area, and that is why he has specially invited officers and soldiers to collaborate with local government cleaning teams and other units to carry out disinfection work. As he offered thanks to the Armed Forces, the Mayor also specifically refuted false news and emphasized that what the Armed Forces sprayed is 1:50 diluted disinfectant water, and called upon the public to rest assured that it is not dangerous. Colonel Chan, Commander of the 36th Chemical Corps, said that this time is a critical stage of epidemic prevention for the country. As such, the chemical corps will continue to work with epidemic prevention policies and the needs of the local government, and carry out disinfection operations in the spirit of "helping those in need, and acting righteously." He also anticipates all servicemen to invest all their efforts in implementing various epidemic prevention measures as they serve and support the people and their country.

(Covered by Wang Yu-Chen, intern reporter, Military News Agency, 13th Hsinchu) To respond to various types of disasters, the Hsinchu City Government today held the "Min An No. 7 Exercise" for year 2021 at the riverside park of Touqian River. The purpose of the exercise was to implement disaster relief exercises. During the entirety of the exercise, the rescue energy of the Armed Forces, city government teams, civil organizations and others united to verify the effectiveness of defense mobilization of our nationals. As such, they have shown their joint preparation, response, and recovery capabilities. The exercise was presided by Shen Hui-Hung, Deputy Mayor of Hsinchu City, and Lieutenant General Lee Chung-Hsiao, Administrative Deputy Minister of the Ministry of National Defense (MND). The exercise saw simulated earthquakes, building collapses, epidemic prevention, disinfection, fire disasters and many other scenarios. Several comprehensive and practical items such as "rescue operations for building collapse", "medical rescue for a large number of wounded patients", and "infectious disease prevention and disinfection operation” were conducted. Deputy Mayor Shen said in his speech that disaster prevention and preparation works in Hsinchu always require the help of servicemen as well as reserves of the Armed Forces, and he is most grateful to the Armed Forces for always putting people’s lives first in the event of a major disaster in the country. As pointed out by Administrative Deputy Ministry Lee, our nationals must always embrace the mindset of preparation for possible forthcoming disasters, and put forward a precautionary approach. It is also necessary that we first improve our plans and deploy the relevant forces in advance to facilitate disaster prevention and conduct rescue at any time. The Armed Forces sent Hsinchu MP, three branches of troops, the Army 542 Armored Brigade, No. 53 engineering group, No. 33 chemical group, and other officers and soldiers. As a whole, the Armed Forces had put in 54 servicemen, and 13 categories of equipment as well as 49 vehicles and machinery to support the exercise. Throughout the disaster prevention exercise and relief from various departments and unit, the servicemen of the Armed Forces appreciated their respective roles and responsibilities during disaster relief, and conducted themselves well with effective cooperation and implementation, thus improving the efficiency of disaster prevention and rescue and protecting the health and safety and property of our nationals.