Taiwan triples period of military conscription to face 'China threats'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Dec 2022 20:34
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Taiwanese president says that the current force is not able to defend the "democratic system" in the island against an unexpected attack from China.

New recruits practice thrusting with their bayonets at a military training center in Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan on April 22, 2013 (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File)

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Tuesday that starting in 2024 that the island's military conscription will be increased from currently four months to one year.

Tsai attributed the "incredibly difficult" decision to rising threats from Beijing and a necessary decision to "defend democracy", as she described the current military system of the island as lacking in face of any sudden attack targeting it.

The US welcomed the decision of extended military conscription, however, the president said that there was no pressure from Washington to take this measure.

The situation around Taiwan escalated following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei on August 2. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contact with the island.

Pelosi's visit led China to announce ending cooperation with the United States on a number of issues such as climate change, anti-drug efforts, and military talks.

"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 during a news conference.

"Taiwan wants to tell the world that between democracy and dictatorship, we firmly believe in democracy. Between war and peace, we insist on peace. Let us show the courage and determination to protect our homeland and defend democracy."

The service members conscripted starting 2024 will be subjected to more severe training, including using combat systems adopted by the US army and operating anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems.

The president noted, despite earlier complaining about delayed delivery of US weapons to the island, that the issue is being resolved following talks with Washington.

"The United States' commitment to Taiwan and steps Taiwan takes to enhance its self-defense capabilities contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region," the US de facto embassy in Taipei stated.

On Sunday, December 25, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted joint combat-readiness security patrols and exercises in the waters and airspace around Taiwan.

In a statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the Theater Command, pointed out that the drills are a firm response to the escalation of collusion between the US and Taiwan.

Taipei announced, on Monday, that 71 aircraft and 7 naval vessels of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) approached the island in the past 24 hours.

The statement also noted that Taiwan deployed jets, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in response to China’s actions.

In the same context, the government in Taiwan stated that the island's people are the only ones eligible of deciding their future.

"China's various unilateral behaviors have become a major concern for regional security," said an official.

Chieh Chung, a researcher at the National Policy Foundation, a Taipei-based think tank, estimated that the extension could add an extra 60,000 to 70,000 manpower annually to the current 165,000-strong professional force in 2027 and beyond.

According to the Taiwanese researcher Chieh Chung at the National Policy Foundation, on average, around 65,000 professionally trained military personnel will be added to the island's force year starting in 2027.

This comes at a time when the United States is exerting more pressure on its security allies, such as South Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and Japan to abide by broad restrictions on the export of cutting-edge semiconductors to China.