Taiwan is preparing to extend the length of compulsory military service from four months to one year, according to a senior government official.
The official told Reuters news agency the change was among a number that would be discussed at a national security meeting later today.
The meeting, convened by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, is expected to discuss ways to strengthen the island’s defense capability in the face of growing pressure from China.
The Reuters source said, “China’s various unilateral behaviors have become a major concern for regional security.”
The changes will take effect in 2024, the official said, and they would also include stricter training for conscripts, combat instructions used by US forces and more rigorous gunnery drills.
Ms Tsai’s office confirmed the meeting and that she would announce measures at a press conference shortly after, but Taiwan’s defense ministry declined to comment.
Taiwan’s defense priorities were different when tensions seemed to ease – mandatory military service was reduced from two years to four months to attract young voters, while the military itself was gradually shifted from a force of conscription to a professional force.
But China has stepped up its military harassment of the island in recent years, and Ms Tsai’s security team has been scrutinizing the Taiwanese military since 2020.
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Monday, more than 70 Chinese aircraft ventured into Taiwan’s air defense zone – The largest Chinese incursion to date.
China also held military drills near Taiwan in August, in response to a visit to Taipei by then-American lecturer Nancy Pelosi.
The Chinese government says democratic Taiwan must return to China and has intensified its military harassment of the island in recent years.
But Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims.
