President Tsai Ing-wen said, presiding over the “Award and Promotion Ceremony for Senior Military Personnel” on June 20, that international and technological developments have increased the complexity of warfare. The Armed Forces must therefore stay up to date in its development and readiness. She hoped that General Chang Che-ping, the newly appointed Military Strategy Advisor to the Office of the President, and his successor General Cheng Jung-feng will help strengthen our ability to defend the nation by accelerating the pace of self-reliance in national defense and military reforms.
Accelerating the pace of self-reliance in national defense and military reforms
President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the latest morning ceremony accompanied by Minister of Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng, and Deputy Secretary-General of National Security Council York Chen. She began by presenting Gen. Chang Che-ping with the “Order of the Precious Tripod 2nd Grade”, followed by conferring Gen. Cheng Jung-feng with his new rank.
During her speech, the President said that in presiding over the award ceremony for Gen. Chang Che-ping and the promotion ceremony for Gen. Cheng Jung-feng today, she was representing the nation in recognizing their longstanding efforts and contributions to the Armed Forces of the Republic of China. Gen. Chang Che-ping previously served in important roles such as Commander-in-Chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force, and Deputy Minister, during which he made many contributions to the development and readiness of the Air Force. During his term as the President of National Defense, he spared no effort to inject new blood and outstanding leaders into the Armed Forces as well. The presentation of the “Order of the Precious Tripod Grade 2” is intended to recognize and thank President Chang for his efforts. She also hoped that he would continue to provide his advice as the Military Strategy Advisor for the advancement of the Armed Forces.
President Tsai noted that Gen. Cheng Jung-feng was an exceptional member of the Armed Forces. He was not only one of the first cadre instructors for the Mirage 2000 fighter to be trained in France for but also the first fighter pilot to test fire the MICA missile. He trained many outstanding fighter pilots and served in key positions including Air Force Chief of Staff, Commanding Officer of Combatant Command, and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force. Gen. Cheng’s promotion was therefore more than just recognition for his past contributions to the Armed Forces but the sign that missions of even greater importance await his efforts in the future.
President Tsai then mentioned that international and technological developments have increased the complexity of warfare. The Armed Forces must stay up to date in its development and readiness. Be it self-reliance in national defense or military reforms, the pace of progress must be accelerated to strengthen our ability to defend the nation.
Finally, President Tsai expressed her respect and gratitude to Mrs. Chang and Mrs. Cheng. Their support made it possible for the two generals to focus on the mission and serve the country without worrying about their families.
Source: Youth Daily News, Ministry of Defense (June 21, 2022)