Military Launches Joint Defense Exercise; President Lai Urges Cross-Party Support for Defense Budget

(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 14th) The military launched a five-day, four-night 'Joint Defense Exercise' yesterday. President Lai Qingde posted on Facebook today, urging Taiwan's legislature—regardless of political party—to jointly support the defense budget necessary for national security. He stated that such support would ensure all service members have more advanced and reliable equipment, fully leverage their training outcomes, and strengthen the nation's overall defense capabilities.

President Lai noted that last week, Typhoon Bavi passed through Taiwan. The military immediately mobilized for typhoon preparedness and post-disaster recovery, assisting citizens on the front lines to overcome the storm. He expressed deep gratitude to every service member involved in these missions.

According to President Lai, immediately after the typhoon dissipated, the military began the five-day, four-night 'Joint Defense Exercise' yesterday. Units departed from Pingtung, completing preparations and mobile deployments according to combat missions. Each branch of the military is conducting live-force, on-site, real-time joint combat drills at various tactical locations, comprehensively verifying command, communications, logistics support, and unit coordination capabilities.

He emphasized that every march under the scorching sun and every repeated equipment operation is aimed at enhancing the military's responsiveness to various threats. While troops conduct rigorous daily training, the government also has the responsibility to provide complete equipment, sufficient logistics, and stable resources to ensure every mission is executed smoothly.

President Lai stated that the government will continue advancing defense reforms and strengthening self-defense capabilities, while also continuously improving troop welfare and service conditions. He reiterated his call for bipartisan legislative support for the defense budget essential to national security, so that all service members can have more advanced and reliable equipment, fully utilize their training outcomes, and solidify the nation's overall defense strength.

Additionally, President Lai urged the public: in the coming days, if citizens see military convoys on the roads or troops conducting drills across the country, please offer encouragement and greater understanding. Only through united national support can we safeguard our shared homeland. (Edited by Lin Shu-yuan) 1150714

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