Taiwan extends mandatory military service amid China threat
TAIPEI, Dec 27 — Taiwan will extend mandatory military service from four months to one year as a response to growing Chinese military threats, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Tuesday.
Tsai told a news conference, held after a national security meeting, that the 12-month compulsory military service requirement takes effect from Jan 1, 2024, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
The monthly pay set for the service will be raised, too.
All male Taiwanese born after Jan 1, 2005 will be subjected to the new measure.
“The decision is very difficult,” Tsai said. But she said it was her responsibility as a national leader to ensure Taiwan’s survival at a time when China is undermining regional stability and threatening the democratic island.
Tsai said that Taiwan continues to adjust its self-defence preparations and the countries of the world that care for Taiwan will see its “determination to protect and safeguard our homeland.”
Tsai said her security team has spent two years adjusting measures to bolster Taiwan’s national defence capability.
“No one wants war,” she said. “Only by being prepared for war can we prevent it.”
The tensions across the Taiwan Strait escalated in August, shortly after a visit to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the self-ruled democracy part of its territory.
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