Amid Increasing Threats From China, Taiwan To Extend Conscription To 1-Year

Taiwan, a democratically governed island will increase compulsory military service from four months to one year beginning in 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday, citing the growing threat from its giant neighbour China.

The move comes as China increases military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan to assert its sovereignty claims, including nearly daily Chinese air force missions near the island in the last three years. Tsai said that Taiwan desired peace but required the ability to defend itself.

“As long as Taiwan is strong enough, it will be the home of democracy and freedom all over the world and it will not become a battlefield,” Tsai said at a news conference announcing the “incredibly difficult” decision to extend the conscription period.

Tsai added that the current military system, including reservist training, is inefficient and insufficient to deal with China's rising military threat, particularly if it launches a rapid attack on the island.

“Taiwan wants to tell the world that between democracy and dictatorship, we firmly believe in democracy. Between war and peace, we prefer peace. Let us show courage and determination in defending our homeland and democracy,” Tsai added.

She said that conscripts will undergo more intense training, including shooting exercises, combat instruction similar to that used by US forces and operating more powerful weapons such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank missiles.

However, Taiwan has complained about delayed US arms deliveries, including Stingers.