Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called on graduating military cadets to remain vigilant against Chinese espionage and defend Taiwan’s democratic values, warning that Beijing continues to intensify efforts to infiltrate the island’s armed forces.

Speaking Tuesday at the graduation ceremony of Fu Hsing Kang College on the outskirts of Taipei, Lai urged the new officers to stay loyal to the nation and resist attempts to undermine Taiwan’s security.

The military academy, established during the Cold War to educate officers about the dangers of communism, provided the backdrop for Lai’s remarks amid heightened cross-strait tensions.

Taiwan and China have long engaged in intelligence operations against one another, but Taiwanese authorities have reported a growing number of alleged Chinese espionage cases in recent years, particularly involving military personnel.

Beijing considers the self-governed island to be part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels continue to operate regularly around the island, maintaining pressure on Taipei.

Addressing the graduates, Lai said a soldier’s honor is rooted in loyalty and dedication to the nation.

“In the face of various threats and challenges, as well as China’s infiltration, division, sabotage and espionage activities targeting our armed forces, I ask all of you to establish a clear awareness of friend and foe,” he said.

“Only by resisting all forms of threat and temptation can we defend our nation’s sovereignty and security.”

Lai also encouraged the graduates to reject communism, remain alert to foreign influence and safeguard Taiwan’s democratic system and freedoms.

Reaffirming his administration’s position on cross-strait relations, the president said the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to one another.

The remarks underscore Taiwan’s continuing efforts to strengthen national security and counter what officials describe as an expanding campaign of Chinese political, military and intelligence pressure.

Relations between Taipei and Beijing remain strained, with Taiwan continuing to modernize its military while deepening security cooperation with international partners in response to China’s growing military activity around the island.