Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Taiwan on Monday celebrated Freedom of Speech Day. The commemoration is not an international day, and was first established in Tainan by President William Lai (賴清德) in 2012, when he was mayor of that city. The day was elevated to a national holiday in 2016 by then-president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

Lai chose April 7, because it marks the anniversary of the death of democracy advocate Deng Nan-jung (鄭南榕), who started Freedom Era Weekly to promote freedom of expression.

Thirty-six years ago, a warrant for Deng’s arrest had been issued after he refused to appear in court to answer charges of insurrection for publishing a proposal for a constitution to replace the Republic of China (ROC) Constitution written in China. He self-immolated in his office while police coming to take him into custody banged on his door.

President William Lai (賴清德) at a ceremony in Taipei on Wednesday to promote six armed forces officers said the military would “review the organizational structure of the main combat, defense and reserve forces” and, through regular exercises, test troops’ ability to carry out joint operations.

The consistent emphasis on combat resilience through practical training and focus on organizational reform in Lai’s military speeches is a demonstration of the importance the administration places on enhancing the military’s training quality and overall preparedness. This effort aims not only to culturally and structurally modernize Taiwan’s armed forces to meet global standards, but also to deliver high-quality, engaging and rewarding training to recruits to ensure they are equipped and motivated to defend the nation.