DEFENSE / President Lai vows opposition to 'annexation, invasion, unification'

Taipei, Oct. 29 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday said Taiwan must show "firm opposition to annexation, opposition to invasion, and opposition to advancing unification," days after a top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official called for Taiwan's "reunification" with China.

"Investment in national defense is investment in peace," Lai said, adding that strengthening national defense is not a provocation but is to "maintain the status quo and protect Taiwan's democracy and way of life."

Taiwan must show "determination to defend its homeland," he said.

Lai's remarks came four days after Wang Huning (王滬寧), a CCP Politburo Standing Committee member and chairman of National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made comments reiterating China's commitment to "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan.

According to a Xinhua news report, Wang addressed a gathering of around 500 attendees at a meeting "commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China" in Beijing on Saturday.

Wang, who ranks fourth in China's leadership hierarchy, called upon "compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to work together to advance national reunification, and to leave no room for 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities in any form."

According to Lai, gray-zone operations by the CCP pose a threat to regional peace and stability and affect global economic development.

He said Taiwan will continue to enhance asymmetric combat capabilities by incorporating advanced technology, new training, new strategic thinking, and new equipment to improve the Armed Forces' modernization and flexibility.

Lai made the remarks while presiding over an Armed Forces promotion ceremony at the Office of the President in Taipei.

He was accompanied by Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an (潘孟安), National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Minister of National Defense (MND) Wellington Koo (顧立雄) and Chief of the General Staff Mei Chia-shu (梅家樹).

Lai said the promotion of generals "is not only a recognition of past efforts but also the beginning of new responsibilities and missions."

The officers promoted to major general were Liang Ting-wei (梁庭蔚), Li Chen-hua (李振華), Hu Chih-hua (胡志華) and Lo Wei-chung (羅偉中).