TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended a Fall of Martyrs' Commemoration Ceremony at the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine on Tuesday (Sept. 3) to mark Armed Forces Day.

Lai presided over the ceremony, accompanied by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), and Control Yuan President Chen Chu (陳菊), according to the Presidential Office.

After the national anthem was played, Lai offered flowers to the fallen soldiers. He addressed the attendees and took three ceremonial bows, along with the accompanying officials. After the ceremony, the president greeted representatives of the soldiers’ families.

Earlier in the day, Lai took to Facebook thanking Taiwan’s service members for their commitment to national defense. “Whether it is defending maritime territory, protecting airspace, or defending the homeland, the military is carrying out its duties on the front line,” he said.

Lai also said the defense budget will increase to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities and improve training. We want the world to see Taiwan's determination to protect itself, he added.