Defense News

I. Topic of the press conference: "National Defense Report" of the Republic of China for the year 2021. II. Host: Major General Shi Shun-wen, military spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense. III. Participants and attendees: 1. Major General Chen Huang-rong, Deputy Director of Strategic Planning Department, Ministry of National Defense. 2. Mr. Deng Ke-hsiung, Director of National Defense Policy Division, Strategic Planning Department. 3. Su Zi-yun, Director of National Defense Resources and Industry Research, Institute for National Defense and Security Research. 4. Miss. Chang Wei-lun, graphic designer.   IV. Press conference and news reference materials for the press conference: 1. The MND released the National Defense Report of the Republic of China for the year 2021 today (9th). Since 1992, the MND has regularly published the National Defense Report so this edition marks the 16th publication. 2. This compilation has focused on "Building a Resilient and Novel Armed Forces", highlighting in context coping with current strategic circumstances as well as the ever-increasing military threats to Taiwan by the CCP (Communist Party of China). The Armed Forces has strived actively to strengthen the development of asymmetric defense operations in the past two years, worked hard to prepare and implement combat training, has implement national defense mechanisms, and facilitated reforms of reserve mobilization. All of these efforts are made in order to build up a tough and resilient force to ensure our national security. 3. The report is divided into five sections and 10 chapters, in which the five major areas of "the regional situation", "capability of national defense", "local national defense” , "governance of national defense" , and "glory of the Armed Forces" are expanded upon. The content covers an analysis of the CCP’s threat to Taiwan, highlights the resilient characteristics and combat power of the Armed Forces, and demonstrates national defense administration, which will promote national defense and accumulate our overall combat power while reflecting the transparency of national military affairs. 4. To expand on the effectiveness of international strategic communication and respond to the implementation of the government's bilingual policy, the report is published in Chinese and English. Meanwhile, a set of "knowledge picture-cards" and a guidebook (dummy guide) have been composed so more complex content is arranged accordingly. The report also uses concise diagrams and text to explain the structure and summarize content to convey the message effectively. It is also being released as an e-book for readers' convenience. 5. Finally, the MND has published a cartoon version to encourage reading among a young audience. With the theme if "36 Hours Safeguarding Happiness", the publication is composed in as a story-like narrative to attract young readers. It describes daily duties as well as rotations in war situations by military servicemen over a 36-hour period. The servicemen display their perseverance and flexibility as they care for both work and family so younger readers can appreciate the dedication and contribution by the Armed Forces to the defense of our country and people. It is hoped that this lively and easy-to-understand cartoon form of the narrative highlights important national defense policies for younger readers and allow the report to have more of an impact on all lives and educate the general public.

The former Minister of National Defense, Mr. Tang Yao-ming, has passed away, and his fellow officers of the Armed Forces mourn for this loss.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) expressed with deep regret today (3^rd) that the former Minister of National Defense, Mr. Tang Yao-ming, passed away this morning at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei. Aged 84, our country has suffered a most significant loss from his passing, and his fellow officers of the Armed Forces express their deepest sympathies and honor him with thanks for his service.

Mr. Tang Yao-ming loyally served his country in the military throughout his life. He received a military education at the Army Command and Staff College of the Tri-Service University, Tactical Research Class, and High-ranking Officer Class of the War College of the Tri-Service University. He served in a platoon, company, battalion, as a brigade commander, captain, general drill officer, division commander, army commander, commander of the 8^th Army, commander-in-chief of the army, chief of staff and other important positions. Furthermore, he was awarded the Order of Blue Sky and White Sun, and became the Minister of Defense on February 1, 2002.

On February 1, 1999, Mr. Tang Yao-ming was promoted to the rank of general first class of the army and chief-of-staff of the Ministry of National Defense. During his tenure, our country was hit hard by the 921 Earthquake. Mr. Tang accompanied former President Lee Teng-hui to visit many disaster-stricken areas, and personally guided the Armed Forces in their disaster relief efforts, helping people to rebuild their homes and lives. In addition, Mr. Tang Yao-ming worked with restructuring the government’s organization as he successfully completed the National Army’s "Improvement Project" at the end of 2001. He also fully facilitated and supported the legislation and implementation of two laws for national defense, which have helped promote the completion of centralized system for military administration and order, thus establishing the significance of the times for the modern Armed Forces.

Mr. Tang Yao-ming devoted his life to a long career in the military, being loyal to his country and looking out for the well-being of the people. He achieved great accomplishments in reorganizing the army and building military power. He not only implemented two national defense laws, but also strived for the welfare of officers and soldiers, actively taking care of all servicemen as well as realizing the nationalization of the military. Serving as the driver of these grand tasks, he will be remembered as a positive role-model for soldiers of the Republic of China. His spirit will live on and be exemplified through the servicemen who follow him.