TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng announced on Monday (Oct. 30) that the nation's mandatory military service could necessitate some conscripts serving on outlying islands.
The defense minister made the comments during a special report by the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee on "reviewing military discipline, arms management, and prevention of defense information leakage under severe cross-strait conditions."
Not all outlying islands, he said, have sufficient military resources, which might lead to individuals being assigned there. Speaking about Taiwan's defense strategy amid soaring cross-strait tensions, Chiu added that firearms should be used as silently as possible to avoid detection.
Chiu also addressed the prospect of extending the service period for mandatory service, indicating that this would require careful consideration — and those willing and qualified might serve in specific combat units.
Furthermore, obliging recruitment for combat units is a multidimensional process, Chiu noted. It involves several steps and may touch on insurance issues.
He emphasized that the military will continue to monitor different scenarios and strive toward the most efficient conscription system.
