Taipei, Dec. 28 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday called on the armed forces' newly promoted military generals to work with the government toward beefing up combat readiness and showing the world Taiwan's resolute will to defend itself against threats from China.
Speaking during a ceremony that saw the promotion of 23 senior military personnel, Tsai said the advancement of defense technology and the challenges posed by modern warfare meant that maintaining the combat readiness of Taiwan's military depended largely on attracting and retaining talent in the armed forces.
To meet that goal, Tsai said she had initiated a series of reforms within the military including renovating military dorms and bases, introducing better equipment, and making the promotion system coherent so that military personnel feel respected and therefore more willing to serve.
A more reasonable management system is also being established within the armed forces to boost servicepersons' morale and sense of honor, Tsai said.
Describing the newly promoted generals as important leaders, the president asked all of them to work closely with her to retain talent within the military while continuing to beef up the armed forces' combat capabilities "to let the world know Taiwan will be resolute in defending itself."
Tuesday's ceremony saw four officers promoted to the rank of two-star general; namely, lieutenant general and admiral, with a further 19 elevated to the rank of one-star general; namely major general and vice admiral.
The promotions will officially take effect next month, according to the defense ministry.
In Taiwan, military promotion ceremonies are held twice a year, in June and December.
