TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s military academy is set to mark its centennial anniversary with over 10, 000 guests expected over the two days of festivities from June 15-16.

Speaking at a Legislative Foreign and National Defense Committee meeting on Wednesday (June 5), Veterans Affairs Council (VAC) Minister Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發) said the event in Kaohsiung’s Fongshan District is the first legitimate centennial celebration since former President Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) reestablished the military academy there, per CNA.

The school was originally established in Whampoa, Guangzhou in 1924 and called the Whampoa Military Academy. It moved to Kaohsiung at the end of the Chinese Civil War and was renamed the Republic of China Military Academy. Chiang served as its first principal, 

The event is a significant day for Taiwan, Yen said. China is also vying for guests to attend its own centennial celebration at the school's original site. Fewer than 100 retired Taiwanese military personnel will attend, according to the VAC. 

Yen said the VAC has long advocated for veteran organizations to maintain mutual respect and dignity when engaging in cross-strait exchanges. He advised veterans attending China’s celebration to refuse media interviews and refrain from making political statements.