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.
Taiwan’s military is dwarfed by that of mainland China’s, but strategists hope superior training could help give them the edge in a conflict. The government is also working on a programme to reform reservist training.
Taiwan holds live-fire drills on islet nearest mainland China
Lee Shih-chiang, head of the ministry’s strategic planning department, speaking at the same session as Chiu, said he expected the first batch of US-made MQ-9 Reaper drones, which can be armed with missiles and operate at long ranges, will enter service with Taiwan by 2025.
Beijing has stepped up its military activities near the island in recent years, seeking to pressure Taipei to accept its sovereignty claims. Beijing does not recognise Taiwan’s democratically elected government or any claims of Taiwanese sovereignty, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under mainland control.
