The Facts
Taiwan Pres. Tsai Ing-wen announced Tuesday that the country's current four-month mandatory military service for male citizens will be extended to a full year in 2024, citing national security concerns to justify what she described as a "difficult" decision.
A series of reforms to the military structure were also disclosed Tuesday, including dividing it into four main categories. The main combat force – made up of professional soldiers – will be responsible for territorial security, while conscripts will join the garrison force to protect key infrastructure inside Taiwan.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Extending mandatory military service won’t reduce the gap between forces in the Taiwan Straits, and it’s unlikely to improve the island's combat capacity. Taipei, however, has decided to follow this path under the irresistible pressure of the US, a disgraceful move that will turn the Taiwanese people into frontline pawns to advance US strategic interests against China.
Anti-China narrative
Conscription reform, along with other structural reforms to Taiwan's military, is crucial to enhance deterrence in the Taiwan Straits, as Beijing seeks to undermine the international order, as well as regional peace and stability. This move increases Taiwan’s national security by demonstrating its commitment to self-defense, and also wins it international support.
