President Lai Ching-te went to the Xu Mian 234th Brigade’s actual troop training unit at Qingquangang Camp in Taichung this afternoon (19th). He affirmed the results of the national military training and thanked the officers and soldiers for their hard work. The President stated that starting from July 1 this year, a new "third type of combat force bonus" will be added, which will allow officers and soldiers of the brigade level and below who provide combat continuity to receive an additional bonus of 4,000 yuan per month; compulsory service officers and soldiers serving in combat units will also receive combat force bonuses similar to volunteer service officers and soldiers.

The president emphasized that the increase in salary represents the country's respect for the professionalism of the national military and is also an important investment in strengthening national defense capabilities. He hopes that every officer and soldier who protects the country can feel the country's support and affirmation. The government will be our strongest backing, continue to enrich national defense resources, improve the service environment, and enhance treatment and benefits.

After the president arrived, he first watched a documentary video of the actual military exercise in Taichung, then listened to the officers and soldiers share their experiences, and awarded group bonuses.

Last Friday, the Hanguang 42 exercise just ended. I am very happy to come to the 234th Brigade today to listen to the experience sharing of six colleagues. It can be clearly understood that the long-term and high-intensity training is very hard for you; but I can also feel that you have gained a lot from the training and have a sense of accomplishment. It even made the people complain from the beginning to give us a thumbs up and say "like" to the national army in the end. These are the results of everyone’s daily training. I want to thank you and give you a warm round of applause. Thank you.

When I come to the 234th Brigade today, on behalf of the country, I want to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication. By being prepared again and again, the country will have more strength; with more strength, the country will have more security, and the region will have more peace and stability.

I have always firmly believed that national security requires solid national defense; solid national defense relies on military officers and soldiers who are respected and have no worries.

Therefore, after I took office, I continued to adjust the treatment of our officers and soldiers. Last year, we approved the increase of five additional items, including volunteers, combat troops, combat air traffic control, electronic reconnaissance and cyber warfare; in February this year, we also approved the inclusion of drone units in the increase of combat troops.

Today, I would like to announce to you again that after a complete evaluation by the Ministry of National Defense, taking into account operational needs and service professional characteristics, starting from July 1 this year, in addition to the existing first and second type combat unit bonuses, a "third type combat unit bonus" will be added, allowing units at the brigade level and below that provide combat continuity to have an additional monthly bonus of 4,000 yuan for serving officers and soldiers.

In addition, compulsory officers and soldiers serving in combat units will also receive combat unit bonuses in the same way as volunteer officers and soldiers starting from July 1 this year.

In addition to the continuous adjustment of military service bonuses, military, public and educational personnel have also received an increase in professional and supervisory bonuses of NT$2,000 each from July this year. Starting from January next year, they will receive an additional 4% salary increase. This will be the fifth cumulative salary increase for military, public and educational personnel since former President Tsai Ing-wen took office and I took office.

The government has successively adjusted salaries, service bonuses and various benefits in order to use a more reasonable system to reflect the responsibilities, risks and professions of officers and soldiers, so that the benefits for different positions and responsibilities are differentiated, in line with the nature of the tasks and manpower needs of the army.

The increase in salary represents the country's respect for the professionalism of the national military and is also an important investment in strengthening national defense capabilities. I hope that every officer and soldier who protects the country can feel the support and affirmation of the country; while concentrating on combat training, he can also take care of himself and his family.

The government will be our strongest backing, continue to enrich national defense resources, improve the service environment, and enhance treatment and benefits. Finally, I would like to thank you all again for your hard work and wish you all good health and complete success in your mission.

Including National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Zhaoxie, Defense Minister Gu Lixiong, National Security Council Advisory Committee Member Liu Dejin, Deputy Secretary-General Li Wen, Army Deputy Commander Li Ronghua, Army Tenth Corps Commander Shao Zhijun, 234 Brigade Commander Wei Zongzhi, etc. also attended the event.