Taiwan’s president urged graduating military cadets to resist espionage, defend democracy, and strengthen national security against external threats.
Taipei
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has called on graduating military cadets to remain vigilant against Chinese espionage and foreign influence, urging them to safeguard the island’s democracy, freedom, and national sovereignty. Addressing a graduation ceremony at the historic Fu Hsing Kang College on Tuesday, Lai emphasized the growing security challenges facing Taiwan and stressed the importance of loyalty within the armed forces.
The president’s remarks come amid increasing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Taipei reporting a steady rise in espionage cases allegedly linked to Beijing, particularly within Taiwan’s military. Chinese military activity around the self-governed island has also intensified in recent years, contributing to growing concerns over regional stability and national security.
Speaking to the graduating cadets, Lai said that a soldier’s honor is rooted in loyalty to the nation and its democratic values. He warned that Taiwan’s armed forces continue to face threats ranging from infiltration and sabotage to espionage and attempts to create divisions within society. He urged the graduates to clearly distinguish between friends and adversaries while remaining committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty.
Lai stated that resisting all forms of pressure, coercion, and temptation is essential for defending Taiwan’s security. He encouraged the young officers to remain alert to attempts at infiltration and to uphold democratic principles while carrying out their military responsibilities.
The president also reaffirmed Taiwan’s long-standing political position by stating that the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, and the People’s Republic of China are separate entities and are not subordinate to one another. The statement reflects the government’s continued rejection of Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of its territory.
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of military force to achieve what it describes as national reunification. Beijing regularly conducts military exercises and patrols around the island, while Taiwan has responded by strengthening its defense capabilities and expanding counterintelligence efforts.
Fu Hsing Kang College, where Lai delivered his address, holds significant historical importance in Taiwan’s military education system. Established in 1951, just two years after the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan following its defeat in the Chinese Civil War, the institution was originally created to train military officers in political warfare and reinforce opposition to communism during the Cold War.
Now functioning as part of Taiwan’s National Defence University, the college continues to preserve many of its historical traditions. The main hall where the graduation ceremony took place features prominent inscriptions written by former leader Chiang Kai-shek, emphasizing personal responsibility for the nation’s future. Chiang remains a deeply debated historical figure in Taiwan, admired by some for his opposition to communism while criticized by others for his authoritarian rule.
During the Cold War, the institution also trained officers from several countries aligned against communist governments, and it continues to educate international military students today.