TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) boarded a Kuang Hua VI-class missile boat Saturday to observe the Han Kuang 42 exercise in Kaohsiung.
Lai visited the Navy’s Zuoying Naval Base to observe the coastal defense portion of the live-fire exercise, per RTI. Accompanied by Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) and other officials, he boarded the No. 64 missile boat, which was undergoing pre-departure checks, per CNA.
After receiving a briefing from the boat’s captain, Lai addressed the crew over the vessel’s public-address system. He said the crew had been ordered to leave port and conduct a coastal strike mission, reflecting the exercise’s focus on responding to potential threats.
Lai said Han Kuang uses troops, equipment, and operational environments to test battlefield responses and the military’s ability to defend Taiwan, per RTI. He said the exercise would help identify areas for improvement in handling different scenarios.
The president said his administration would continue strengthening national defense in response to external threats. He pledged full support for the armed forces while urging service members to improve coordination and teamwork.
Lai said the military should maintain credible defense capabilities to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and the safety of its people.
