Wowing to the growing threat from China, Taiwan will extend the length of its conscription. The service will be extended from four months to a year, President Tsai Ing-wen said at a news conference on Tuesday. “As long as Taiwan is strong enough, it will be the homeland of democracy and freedom around the world, and not become a battlefield,” Tsai said.
China regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic. Tensions have intensified following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the summer. China had described this as provocative support for Taiwan and in response held major military maneuvers around the island in August.
Chinese planes have repeatedly invaded Taiwan’s airspace in recent months. The country only reported the largest border violation by the Chinese air force on Monday.
Taiwan needs to increase its defense capabilities, Tsai said. The conscripts would be trained, among other things, to use anti-aircraft missiles such as the Stinger type.