Hope lies in existence, for without existence there is no hope at all. Economic strength is important to a nation and its people. But without a strong national defense, there will be no ground for existence and no space or time for economic development. Thus the Republic of China government must allot a large part of its budget to support national defense for the nation's survival. With strength, economic construction may proceed without interruption. National defense is a prerequisite to our goal of mainland recovery. Our armed forces shoulder heavy responsibilities. Years of training and alert on the Taiwan bastion of freedom have made them the most important power in maintaining our nation's security.
Today, to increase their combat power, our armed forces are constantly engaged in structural reorganization, simplification of command channels, expansion of logistics capability and arms renewal. The armed forces' capacity of firepower, moving power, surprise attack and defensive tactics has improved and is moving steadily toward the goal of self-sufficiency. The military policy includes emphasis on quality, effective utilization of national power, arms reinforcements and development of defense science. Our armed forces today are well trained, well equipped and highly skillful. Their morale is high and they are determined to defend our bastion of freedom and recover the mainland.
Patrolling the Taiwan Straits
Training in high mountains
Local-made vehicles for field combat
Chinese Military Academy cadets
Artillery shelling exercise
Infabtrymen going over observations