The Republic of China’s Ministry of National Defense stated today: “The Zuoying Naval Base will be open to the public on October 24th, and Apache helicopters will be on display. The public is welcome to visit.” (TN asks: “Can’t I visit the 601st Brigade?”)
Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Luo Shao-he further stated that for general visits, based on promoting national defense education, any agency, school, or organization registered with the government, such as social welfare groups, must formally submit a written application to the military unit being visited, specifying the date, time, and personnel list. The visit will be approved by the unit, provided it does not disrupt the unit’s combat readiness training, daily routines, or the rights of its personnel.
However, the Taipei Peace Community Development Association sent a letter to the Ministry of National Defense earlier, indicating its intention to visit the 601st Brigade. On the 24th, the association’s chairman, Li Binji, stated on Facebook:
Apache [VIP Visit Group] Wow, we’re recruiting!!!!!!!! We are seeking one tour guide familiar with the venue… and dozens to hundreds of inexperienced group members (the exact number will be confirmed upon receiving a reply). ※The organizer reserves the right to verify the qualifications of inexperienced participants (those without experience should not apply).
Li Binji also posted the official letter on Facebook to demonstrate its legitimacy.
Caption: Official Letter Requesting Visit
The letter states: “To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japan and the retrocession of Taiwan, and to promote national defense education, our community development association requests permission to visit the 601st Army Brigade. Please inform us of the time and number of participants allowed.”
In fact, based on normal procedures (and considering the Ministry of National Defense’s desire to improve its image), the association seems quite likely to receive permission. The only remaining question is: “How many people can actually visit the Apache helicopters?” After receiving numerous applications from the public, the association currently states that it will primarily accept applications from residents of that specific neighborhood.
However, if the Ministry of National Defense were to actually grant the Taipei Peace Community Development Association permission to visit the 601st Brigade in Longtan just to quell public anger, many might feel that the Ministry is excessively dismissing its own pronouncements based on personal biases.
Doing something is wrong, and not doing something is also wrong; the Ministry is in a rather awkward position. However, from another perspective, if the Ministry can seize this opportunity to turn the tables and actively address public dissatisfaction, it could significantly improve its long-standing poor image. For example, the “Boatman Brother” (a popular figure in Taiwan) gained valuable experience in crisis management with his positive personality, becoming a household name nationwide.