TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) officials stated on Tuesday (Sept. 10) that declining birth rates and social enterprise recruitment efforts were the causes of its significant budget reduction for military personnel in the Penghu (澎湖) area.
The MND's 2025 defense budget, recently submitted to the Legislative Yuan, reveals a sharp reduction in the number of personnel stationed on offshore islands. Military experts noted a 15% decrease from 7,185 in 2024 to 6,093 in 2025, raising concerns among specialists.
Kao Chih-hsiung (高志雄), head of the MND's resource division, explained that the budget for next year's one-year compulsory service was based on this year's recruitment, training, and distribution rates.
Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Chen Chien-yi (陳建義) further emphasized the importance of garrisoning offshore islands. He assured that Penghu, along with Kinmen (金門), Matsu (馬祖), and Tungyin (東引), had not experienced a significant reduction in personnel.
