2020/07/19
The Ministry of National Defense issued a press release rebutting the editorial titled “Hyperbolic aggrandizement of killed military officers in deadly accident to distract attention from negligence”
Ministry of National Defense Press Release
July 19, 2020 20:23 (GMT+8)
In response to the editorial titled “Hyperbolic aggrandizement of killed military officers in deadly accident to distract attention from negligence,＂ the Ministry of National Defense (MND) disproved such comments therein, which appear to be biased insult to those who have sacrificed for the nation.
The MND said that it treats all incidents with equal diligence and discretion, regardless of any casualties. It never intends to “aggrandize” anyone. General Shen, former Chief of the General Staff, and 8 other officers won the respect from the public because of their lifetime tireless dedications to the nation and heroic deeds. The crash of the reconnaissance helicopter remains to be investigated. Based on what was communicated by the pilot to the tower, the aircraft came across an emergency and was forced to land immediately in accordance with the standard operation procedure. Given the assigned flight route and their navigation path, if the pilot did not opt to swerve the aircraft, the casualties on the ground would have been catastrophic. The pilot deserved the highest respect for his gallant decision to save his fellow citizens at the expense of his own life.
The military is concerned about the nation’s security around the clock, in peace or war. Our nation lost many brave heroes, for example, between 2012 and 2014, for their selfless, honorable sacrifice to save their fellow citizens or troops, e.g. Colonel Tong-yi Wang, Colonel Bei-yuan Zhuang, Staff sergeant Zhi-rong Chen, Sergeant Amaler, who all exhibited exceptional bravery and patriotism.
The MND stressed that all the active duty members care for the nation as well as for the people without fear or sacrifice, which is why the troops deserve their respect from the public. It is a shame that few people disregard and denigrate the noble spirits of the troops, which even leaves harm to their families. The MND welcomes only unbiased comments and asks that all citizens appreciate the dedications and perseverance of our troops leaving behind criticism based on speculation or ideology.