TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office on Monday rebutted criticism of President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) planned attendance at this year’s Han Kuang military exercise.
The live-fire portion of the annual exercise will run from Aug. 5–14.
A UDN report accused Lai of staging a “political show” by observing the exercise in person. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said in a statement that “it is standard international practice for heads of state to participate in major national military exercises, including in Europe, the US, Japan, and South Korea.”
Kuo said the president’s participation demonstrates “the government and public’s support for the armed forces and underscores the importance placed on national defense.” She said it also symbolizes “a country’s determination and capability for self-defense.”
She added that, as commander-in-chief, it is both the president’s responsibility and duty to inspect troops during major military exercises. Kuo said the UDN report distorted the facts and unfairly stigmatized the military and national defense efforts.
Kuo said the Ministry of National Defense arranges presidential inspections in accordance with the exercise schedule.
“Allegations that the visit was meant to divert opposition criticism or appeal to voters are baseless and unfair to all personnel working to strengthen national defense,” she said.
