President Tsai Ing-wen said Aug. 23 that the government is enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense as part of a rock-solid commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and democratic way of life.
The artillery bombardment of outlying Kinmen County 63 years ago to the day is a memorable chapter in history showing the world the country’s courage and determination, Tsai said. It also demonstrates that unity is the only way of keeping an enemy at bay, she added.
No efforts are being spared in ensuring Taiwan can resist aggression, Tsai said, urging all segments of society to stand as one with the government in protecting the people.
Tsai made the remarks while inspecting a production center of the ROC (Taiwan) Armaments Bureau and Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command in Taipei City.
According to Tsai, strengthening the armed forces’ asymmetric combat capabilities and Taiwan’s indigenous military capacity enabling the production of aircraft, ships and submarines are top policymaking priorities. At the same time, more funding is being allocated for boosting the benefits and conditions of military personnel, she said.
The government and people, Tsai said, are truly grateful for the selfless sacrifice of service members around the clock.
The Aug. 23 Artillery Bombardment of 1958 marked the beginning of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, which saw China’s People’s Liberation Army fire close to half a million shells at Kinmen over a period of 44 days, as well as naval clashes. A total of 456 ROC (Taiwan) soldiers were killed during the offensive. (SFC-E)
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