August 14, 2025
TAIPEI – President Lai Ching-te addressed recent controversy over his remarks on military involvement in disaster relief, clarifying that his intention was never to reject the armed forces’ assistance to civilians affected by natural disasters.
Speaking this afternoon while inspecting the Yangliu Typhoon Working Group at the Central Disaster Response Center, Lai explained that during the aftermath of Typhoon Danas, he had told a community leader to seek help from residents due to existing Ministry of National Defense guidelines advising against the military entering private homes without permission. He said this was misunderstood as opposition to military participation in relief operations.
“The military has an obligation to be on the front lines helping affected people,” Lai said, emphasizing that the armed forces have long played a vital role in both national defense and emergency response.
During the center’s sixth coordination meeting, Lai was briefed by relevant ministries and agencies on typhoon preparedness and also held video calls with Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, and Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu.
Lai thanked central and local governments for their cooperation, praised Taipower personnel for their efforts, and recalled his previous visit to Tainan, where residents had urged the military to assist in clearing damaged homes and moving furniture.
He reiterated that the Defense Ministry’s caution about entering private property stems from past misunderstandings that caused disputes, but stressed that such regulations do not diminish the military’s commitment to helping disaster-hit communities.
“For decades, our national army has not only defended the country but has also stood with the people in times of crisis,” Lai said, adding that he hopes both lawmakers and the public will recognize the dedication of Taiwan’s military personnel in disaster relief efforts.
