President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) encouraged the new non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to become the backbone of the military and take pride in their service as he presided over a ceremony honoring them at the Taoyuan Army Academy on Friday. Lai emphasized that the current international situation is volatile, and turmoil in the Taiwan Strait can impact global peace and stability.

NCOs serve as an important bridge between officers and enlisted personnel, overseeing daily tasks, training, maintaining discipline, and making sure missions are accomplished.

The President noted that the National Armed Forces are always on the front lines helping the people in any disaster in Taiwan, fostering an atmosphere in which the military loves the people, and the people respect the military. Furthermore, this Veterans Day, both domestic airlines and over 20,000 businesses nationwide are offering military personnel priority boarding and discounts, further demonstrating the fine tradition of unity between the military and the public.

The President stated that Taiwan must strengthen its national defense capabilities and economic resilience, moving away from the concentration of industrial investment in China. Furthermore, the expansion of regional authoritarianism is not just a Taiwan issue; it is a common concern for democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific and globally.

"At the beginning of my presidency, I proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. However, while we have ideals for peace, we cannot harbor illusions. Only peace achieved through strength is true peace. Peace cannot be achieved by ceding sovereignty. Nor can peace be achieved simply by a piece of paper," he said.

Lai emphasized that as long as China is willing to engage in dialogue with Taiwan on an equal footing and with dignity, we are willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peace and common prosperity.