Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) A powerful navy is a guarantee of the country's security and thereby a solid base for Taiwan's democracy and economic development, President Chen Shui-bian told a group of ROC Navy soldiers Friday in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan.
Inspecting a navy base in Kaohsiung, the president said sea lanes which link the island of Taiwan to the outside world are a lifeline for the country, and this is all the more relevant as Taiwan is rapidly integrated into the world economy through business globalization and the island's efforts to build itself into an Asia-Pacific business hub.
Calling it the country's "Great Wall of the sea," the president urged the navy to live up to its role as the ultimate foundation of the island's democracy and economy.
Chen gave the speech on the base during a lunch with seamen and their families.
Chen boarded a warship and a submarine for inspection, and monitored a drill by sailors.