Speaking at the military promotion ceremony of the second-half of 2006 on June 26, President Chen Shui-bian again called on the opposition to put their party-oriented positions aside and to discuss the arms procurement package with the government through dialogues and consultations.
He said that the budget issue of the arms procurement package has been blocked in the Legislative Yuan by the opposition lawmakers, which, according to him, has had severe impact on the timetable and plan of Taiwan's military upgrades.
The president made the above statements when officiating at the military promotion ceremony of the second-half of 2006. A ceremony of this kind had long been held once a year before the president took office in 2000.
In this ceremony, the president, as Taiwan's commander-in-chief, solemnly told the attendants that the military belongs to no one else than the country as a whole and is the firmest fortress that guards the lives and property on the island from being threatened.
In conclusion, the president wished Taiwan eternity, the military utmost triumph, and the people of Taiwan great health and prosperity.