TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) thanked service members for their dedication to national security during visits to military and Coast Guard units on Friday (Oct. 18).
Lai stopped at the Air Force Operations Command, the Navy's Haifeng Brigade, and a Coast Guard Administration base, per the Presidential Office. He emphasized the importance of cohesiveness among the military, CGA, and national security agencies in maximizing efforts to defend national sovereignty, safeguard freedom of navigation in international waters, and protect fishing rights. He reassured troops that the government stands behind them and will provide better equipment to ensure their safety and confidence in defending the nation.
In his address to Coast Guard personnel, Lai lauded their efforts to defend Taiwan’s waters in response to China's gray-zone tactics. He acknowledged the complexity of maritime law enforcement, particularly in protecting fishing rights, cracking down on smuggling, and preventing illegal immigration. He expressed appreciation for their hard work amid China’s recent military exercises and cognitive warfare.
Lai’s visits come ahead of three planned joint military exercises between late October and early November to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
The Army will hold its Chang Tai No. 19 exercise from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. It will involve a simulated confrontation between two combined brigades: the 586th Armored Brigade from central Taiwan and the 333rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade from southern Taiwan.
The Hai Chiang naval exercise is slated for late October to early November. This exercise will simulate defensive and offensive scenarios in the event of a Chinese invasion, focusing on anti-ship operations.
The Air Force’s Tianlong Exercise will run from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 and involve air-to-air, air-to-sea, and air-to-ground combat drills. Aircraft, including F-16Vs, Mirage 2000s, and IDF fighters, will be deployed. The exercise will test the pilots’ combat readiness and joint operational effectiveness with other military branches.
