Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has announced a plan to significantly raise allowances for soldiers and other military personnel.



Lai made the announcement in a speech on Friday when he visited a marine brigade's combat team tasked with protecting Taipei.



Taiwan's military conducted combat readiness drills from Monday through Friday. Lai observed the team and was briefed on the performance of mobile surface-to-air missiles and other equipment.



He said Taiwan will make the utmost effort to protect peace and stability in the region, firmly oppose annexation through authoritarianism, and stand on the side of protecting the status quo.



Lai then revealed the plan to increase military allowances from next month.



Taiwan says China continues military activities around Taiwan and uses so-called gray zone tactics, which fall short of armed attack but gradually wear down Taiwanese troops.



Lai's remarks on the raise of allowances are believed to be aimed at boosting morale in the Taiwanese military.