Keep out of China's clutches, Taiwan's president tells military cadets

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te issued a stern warning to military cadets, urging them to remain vigilant against China's espionage activities and to resolutely defend the island's freedom and democracy. Speaking at the Cold War-era Fu Hsing Kang College, originally established to counter communism, Lai stressed the importance of loyalty and a clear distinction between friend and foe. He highlighted the increasing frequency of Chinese infiltration, sabotage, and espionage targeting Taiwan's armed forces. Lai implored the graduates to resist all threats and temptations to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and security. He also encouraged them to oppose communism and firmly uphold democratic values, asserting that Taiwan's formal name, the Republic of China, is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. The college, founded in 1951 after the Chinese Civil War, retains a strong anti-communist ethos, with historical inscriptions emphasizing national responsibility. The ceremony was attended by ambassadors from countries maintaining formal ties with Taiwan, underscoring international support.

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In the face of various threats and challenges, as well as China's infiltration, division, sabotage, and espionage activities targeting our armed forces, I ask all of you to establish a clear awareness of friend and foe.