Taiwan will extend its mandatory military service from four months to one year starting in 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen announced Tuesday, as the self-governing island faces military, diplomatic and commercial pressure from China.
Taiwan broke away from mainland China in 1949 during a civil war, but Beijing claims the territory. The threat of invasion has deepened since Beijing cut off communications with the Taiwanese government after the 2016 election of Tsai, who is seen as a supporter of independence.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has intensified its military harassment by sending warplanes and warships into Taiwan almost daily in recent years. In response, the island’s military actively tracks those movements, often serving as training for its own military personnel.
The longer military service will apply to men born after 2005 and will begin on January 1, 2024. Those born before 2005 will serve four months.
“No one wants war,” Tsai said. “This is true for the government and people of Taiwan, and for the world community, but peace does not come from heaven, and Taiwan is at the forefront of the spread of authoritarianism.”
The White House welcomed the announcement on conscription reform, saying it underscores Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense and strengthens deterrence.
Beijing has often used military exercises to respond to actions it considers detrimental to its sovereignty.