Taiwan extends mandatory military duty for men over 18

Taiwan will extend its mandatory military conscription period to one year from the current four months, apparently due to China’s mounting military pressure.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen announced the decision at a news conference after convening a national security meeting on Tuesday.

All men over 18 in Taiwan are required to serve in the military. The longer term will start in 2024, and apply to men born after January 1, 2005.

Extending the conscription period had been a topic of discussion in Taiwan. The idea has also been backed by officials in the United States, which is Taiwan’s largest defense supporter.

Calls for the extension intensified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

At the news conference, Tsai said the current four-month conscription period does not meet Taiwan’s military needs. She added that Taiwan will be able to gain international support only after beefing up its defense.

Tsai also suggested that the better Taiwan is prepared, the less likely it is that China will do something reckless.

She called for the understanding of younger people, saying that they would not have to go to the battlefield as long as Taiwan is strong enough.