Taipei, July 12 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that all military servicemen should continue beefing up defense capabilities and never relax their combat preparedness.
Addressing a joint graduation ceremony for five military academies of the three branches of the military, Chen said military service members should not speculate like ordinary civilian people whether mainland China would invade Taiwan. "So long as mainland China does not renounce its attempt to use force against Taiwan, all service members should prepare for the worst and should never ease combat preparedness," Chen said.
With its growing economic strength, Chen said, mainland China has stepped up its military build-up in recent years. "Beijing has substantially increased its annual military budget and introduced advanced arsenals. We should not overlook its military expansion."
Since his inauguration, Chen said he has spared no efforts to push for rapprochement across the Taiwan Strait. But unless mainland China stops its military threat, Chen said, the military should keep alert and continue perfecting combat training.
Turning to the domestic front, Chen went on, each service member should transcend partisan, regional and ethnic prejudices in performing their duties. "Otherwise, our armed forces will be unable to forge the unity and consensus necessary to fulfill their duties of safeguarding national security."
With the progress in Taiwan's democratization, Chen said the armed forces have been nationalized and now play a pivotal role in maintaining social stability and security.
Over the past decades, Chen said, all service members have contributed much to deterring invasion and defending national security. He encouraged the new military academy graduates to uphold the military's glorious tradition and dedicate themselves to serving the country.
Chen further said all service members should maintain political neutrality as well as abide by the Republic of China Constitution and relevant laws in carrying out their duties.