Taiwan looks at extending compulsory military service beyond 4 months
- Minister tells parliament that proposals are under consideration and a plan will be put forward this year
- Beijing’s pressure on the island and Russia’s war in Ukraine have prompted debate on how to boost defence
Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force, but Beijing’s growing pressure against the island it claims as its own, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have prompted debate about how to boost civil defence.
Answering lawmakers’ questions in parliament, Chiu said proposals to extend military service were still under consideration, and that there would “definitely” be a plan put forward this year.
“We must consider the enemy situation and our defensive operations in terms of military strength,” he said.
Any changes would not come into effect until a year after they are proposed, Chiu added.
Previously, governments under the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the main opposition Kuomintang had cut compulsory service from more than two years to the current four months, moves made to please younger voters as tensions eased between Taipei and Beijing.