Taiwan Commences Extended One-Year Military Conscription Amid Rising China Threat

Increased defense measures come in response to China's escalating military activities near the island, with public opinion largely in favor of the move.

• Taiwan has begun its extended one-year compulsory military service for new recruits, up from the previous four-month period, in response to increasing military threats from China.
• Outgoing Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen announced the extension in late 2022, citing the war in Ukraine as a factor in the decision.
• China has increased its military activities near Taiwan over the past four years, often breaching the island's airspace and median line.
• Taiwan has increased its national defense budget by almost 15% in 2023, but it is still less than a tenth of China's military budget.
• Public opinion in Taiwan largely supports the extended conscription, with polls showing 70 to 85 percent approval, though some young Taiwanese are concerned about the impact on their careers and education.

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The Japan Times Semafor Breitbart