President Lai Boards Missile Boat, Boosts Military Morale During Han Kuang Exercise

President Lai Ching-te personally traveled to the Zuoying base today to witness the "Coastal Strike, Nearshore Defense Operations" exercise. The Navy Command stated that the day's drill focused on "joint anti-landing, coastal strike, and beach combat operations."

Lai boarded the Navy's Kuang-Hua VI-class missile boat, No. 64, this morning. Accompanied by Defense Minister Wellington Koo, he observed the vessel execute an "emergency departure" mission. After two boats initially cast off, Lai boarded No. 64's bridge. There, he listened to explanations from the crew and personally used a radio to issue orders.

"Hello to all Navy officers and Coast Guard colleagues, I am President Lai Ching-te," Lai stated over the radio. "I am currently on the bridge of missile boat No. 64. You have received the order for an emergency departure to carry out a coastal strike mission. The purpose of the Han Kuang exercise is to test command coordination, joint operational effectiveness, and homeland defense capabilities through live troops, live sites, and real-time scenarios."

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Hello to all Navy officers and Coast Guard colleagues, I am President Lai Ching-te. I am currently on the bridge of missile boat No. 64. You have received the order for an emergency departure to carry out a coastal strike mission. The purpose of the Han Kuang exercise is to test command coordination, joint operational effectiveness, and homeland defense capabilities through live troops, live sites, and real-time scenarios.

"Facing external threats and challenges, the government continues to strive to enhance our defense capabilities and provide the greatest support to our military and Coast Guard personnel," Lai continued. "I also encourage everyone to respond actively during the exercise and strengthen coordination to be able to cope with various situations and defend national sovereignty and the safety of the people with solid combat power. I wish everyone a successful mission. Thank you for your hard work."

The Ministry of National Defense live-streamed the "Coastal Strike, Nearshore Defense" exercise on its official Facebook page for the first time today, demonstrating the commitment to "defending peace through strength."

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Facing external threats and challenges, the government continues to strive to enhance our defense capabilities and provide the greatest support to our military and Coast Guard personnel. I also encourage everyone to respond actively during the exercise and strengthen coordination to be able to cope with various situations and defend national sovereignty and the safety of the people with solid combat power. I wish everyone a successful mission. Thank you for your hard work.