President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, presided over the January National Defense important high-ranking officers’ honoring ceremony on the 15th. He expressed gratitude to Xu Yanpu, who is retiring, and awarded him the First Class Precious Tripod Medal. Additionally, the Second Class Cloud and Banner Medal was bestowed upon Lieutenant General Chung Shuming, who will succeed as the Deputy Minister of National Defense, and Major General Lu Kunxiu was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.
On the 14th, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China announced that, as approved by the President, there have been adjustments in the position of generals in the military. Lieutenant General Chung Shuming will move from the position of Army Commander to Deputy Minister of National Defense, while Major General Lu Kunxiu will be promoted to the role of Army Commander and simultaneously elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General.
President Lai Ching-te hosted the January 2025 National Defense important high-ranking officers’ honoring ceremony. Present at the event were Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Pan Meng-an, Minister of National Defense Gu Lixiong, Chief of the General Staff Mei Jiashu, Deputy Minister of National Defense Bai Honghui, President of the National Defense University Liu Zhibin, Naval Commander Tang Hua, Air Force Commander Zheng Rongfeng, and Executive Officer of the Deputy Chief of the General Staff Huang Zhiwei, among others. President Lai delivered a speech, acknowledging the outstanding performance and responsibilities shouldered by the three generals present.
President Lai praised Lieutenant General Xu Yanpu for his exceptional leadership and vision demonstrated throughout his over forty-year military career, specifically in military development, defense innovation, and strengthening military cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. In recognition of Xu’s outstanding contributions, the nation awarded him the “First Class Precious Tripod Medal.”
President Lai commended Lieutenant General Chung Shuming for his forward-thinking and visionary leadership in planning army development during his tenure as Army Commander. The “Second Class Cloud and Banner Medal” was presented to Chung in appreciation of his efforts in elevating the combat readiness of the national military.
President Lai also congratulated the newly promoted Lieutenant General Lu Kunxiu, acknowledging his diligent assistance in various military planning and training activities during his time as Deputy Commander, urging him to continue contributing to national defense and security.
In conclusion, President Lai expressed gratitude to the families present for their understanding and support over the years, enabling the generals to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the defense of the country. Once more, he extended congratulations to the three generals and wished everyone a happy and healthy New Year filled with peace and prosperity.