Photo courtesy of CNA;President Tsai Ing-wen (right)
Taipei, July 28 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen praised the military's efforts to safeguard the country's national security on Friday, days after China sent military aircraft close to Taiwan on what the Chinese described as training missions.
During an appearance at an Air Force base in Tainan, Tsai said the purpose of the visit was to support the 443rd Tactical Fighter Wing, which is stationed at the base, and witness the Air Force's resolve to protect the country.
The military not only carefully monitored China's recent military activities close to Taiwan but also took proper response measures, she said, adding that the 443rd Tactical Fighter Wing played a significant role.
On three different days over the past two weeks, several Xian H-6K bombers from the People's Liberation Army of China flew over the Miyako Strait, passing east of Taiwan.
The Miyako Strait, which lies between the Japanese islands of Miyako and Okinawa, is part of Japan's exclusive economic zone but includes a narrow band of international waters and airspace.
Last week, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense released photographs showing two Chinese H-6K bombers, one of which was being tailed by a Taiwanese IDF jet fighter in Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone.
The IDF is part of the 443rd Tactical Fighter Wing's fleet, Tsai said, adding that each serviceman in Taiwan's military is like members of the 443rd wing, making every effort to ensure national security every day.
It is the military's responsibility to "fight for the survival of the Republic of China and fight for the welfare of the people in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu," to safeguard the country and protect the values of freedom and democracy, Tsai said, expressing gratitude for the military's efforts.
During the visit, Tsai also witnessed a drill by the 443rd wing to perform an emergency takeoff after receiving a deployment order.
She noted that "We are the best" is the 443rd wing's motto and told members of the 443rd wing that, "yes, you are the best."
Meanwhile, asked about the Chinese military movements, Mainland Affairs Council chief Chang Hsiao-yueh said Friday that any military threats are unhelpful for the development of cross-Taiwan Strait relations.
"What we hope for is peace, not conflict," Chang said, calling for cross-strait cooperation.
