Situated on the north bank of Keelung River, the 19.5-hectare Boai complex comprises four main buildings and was completed over 18 years at an estimated cost of NT$15.8 billion (US$497.8 million). It is neighbored by other government buildings and military facilities such as the air force and navy HQs, as well as the Hengshan emergency command center.
MND Minister Yen Ming said at the inauguration ceremony that the headquarters integrates the ROC military’s cutting-edge technology, historic legacy and humanistic solicitude. “It also boasts state-of-the-art security on par with the Pentagon in Washington, including electromagnetic pulse protection, explosive detection and fingerprint scanning in restricted areas.
“In addition, retractable bollards installed around the complex are capable of preventing access by unauthorized vehicles.”
According to Yen, the eye-catching building incorporates a number of eco-friendly features like exterior walls made of green building materials such as glass and stone. “The air conditioning also utilizes a system that uses self-made ices as a cooling agent,” he said.
The minister believes the opening of the headquarters is another high point in the development of the nation’s armed forces this year.
“There is no question that the military has enjoyed a bumper year,” Yen said. “Its operational capabilities were significantly boosted by new equipment including AH-64E Apache attack and UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters for the army, and P-3C Orion antisubmarine aircraft, Chengkung-class frigates and a Tuo Jiang corvette for the navy.”
The prestigious ROC Military Academy, also known as Whampoa, celebrated its 90th anniversary in June, he added.
Founded in 1924 on the other side of the strait, Whampoa played a key role in uniting the ROC and training personnel who would later serve with honor and distinction in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). The academy was relocated to southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City in 1949. (YHC-JSM)
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