Taiwan comes up with a new measure to fortify its defense force of extending the military service duration from 4 months to a year in the wake of security threats from China.
The President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen announced on Tuesday that Taiwan will increase the incumbent military service from 4 months to one year and the new measure will be carried out from the year 2024.
What the Taiwanese President plans
The announcement was made by the President on a national security meet over plans to cope up with any future attacks by China and refusal efforts by Taiwan from China’s aim of Taiwan’s reunification with mainland China where the latter repeatedly claims the island to be a part of it.
The plan also includes new reforms in the existing military system as the President points out the inadequacy in Taiwan’s defence force in contrast to Chinese military power. She says that the nation cannot overlook the power China still has. A higher intensity military exercise is suggested with shooting exercises and US based combat guidelines being included in the new military system.
“This is an extremely difficult decision, but as president, as the head of military forces, it is my unavoidable duty to defend national interests and our democratic way of life,” said the President.
“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 President insisted.
Underlining the vulnerability of a democratic island like Taiwan from a dictatorial inclusion the President laid importance on Taiwan to become self-reliant. Tsai Ing-wen said, “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”. She also said, “Peace will not drop from the sky… Taiwan is on the frontline of authoritarian expansion.”
What led to the new military measure
The island has encountered territorial threats from China multiple times yet this decision by the Taiwan government is followed after an exceptional report of invasion attempt was observed on Monday when seventy-one Chinese aircraft were seen entering the Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
According to the report fighter jets and drones which included 18 J-16 fighter jets, 11 J-1 fighters, six Su-30 fighters had trespassed the Taiwan Strait median line.
The Taiwan Defense Ministry said in a statement on December 25, “What the Chinese Communist Party has been doing has once again highlighted its mentality of using force to resolve differences and undermine regional peace and stability”
The President says the measures come from Taiwan in order to defend its autonomous and democratic status while witnessing the apparent threats from China. Tsai Ing-wen said, “Intimidation and threats against Taiwan are getting more obvious”.
“No-one wants war, Taiwan and Taiwanese people are the same, and the international community is the same” she added.
US criticizes the action
US also termed the action of China as “provocative” and ensured support to Taiwan to defend itself.
A National Security Council Spokesperson said in a statement “The United States is concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability”.
The visit of US house Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August this year had triggered similar military activities by China around the island. In response to the visit of one of the United States’ highest delegations to Taiwan, China had announced a four-day military deal. China had conducted live fire drills in six zones around Taiwan.
