Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has urged graduating military cadets to remain vigilant against Chinese espionage and infiltration, warning that defending Taiwan’s sovereignty requires resisting Beijing’s growing influence over the island’s armed forces.
Lai made the remarks during a graduation ceremony at Fu Hsing Kang College, a Cold War-era military institution originally established to train officers in anti-communist political warfare.
‘Know Friend From Foe’
Addressing the graduates, Lai warned that China’s intelligence and influence operations pose an increasing challenge to Taiwan’s national security.
“In the face of various threats and challenges, as well as China’s infiltration, division, sabotage and espionage activities targeting our armed forces, I ask all of you to establish a clear awareness of friend and foe,” he said.
He added that only by resisting “all forms of threat and temptation” could Taiwan safeguard its sovereignty and security.
Calls to Defend Democracy
Lai also urged the graduating officers to oppose communism, guard against infiltration and uphold Taiwan’s democratic values.
He reiterated Taipei’s long-standing position that the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name) and the People’s Republic of China “are not subordinate to each other.”
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.
Military College With Cold War Roots
Fu Hsing Kang College was founded in 1951, two years after the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan following its defeat by Mao Zedong’s Communist forces in the Chinese Civil War.
Originally created to train political warfare officers and promote anti-communist ideology within the military, the college retains many of its Cold War traditions.
Large inscriptions inside the ceremonial hall bear a message written by former leader Chiang Kai-shek, declaring: “I regard the nation’s rise or fall as my own personal responsibility.”
Growing Espionage Concerns
Taiwan has reported a growing number of Chinese espionage cases in recent years, particularly involving current and former military personnel.
Beijing continues to conduct regular military operations around Taiwan while increasing political and military pressure on the island, which it regards as part of China.
The graduation ceremony was attended by diplomats from Belize, Guatemala and Paraguay countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan as well as Jordan’s de facto representative.
(with inputs from Reuters)
