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Taiwan actor dragged away in cuffs over draft evasion scheme
Authorities in New Taipei City arrested nearly ten people, including actor Chiu Sheng-yi, in a crackdown linked to a draft dodging scandal. The investigation highlights Taiwan’s tightening enforcement on conscription laws, contrasting with South Korea’s approach to military service for celebrities.
2026/04/02 21:10
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Opposition party proposes defense bill requiring reports
The Taiwan People’s Party introduced a draft bill to enhance national security and asymmetric warfare capabilities. The proposal requires the Executive Yuan to submit annual reports, ensuring transparency in defense spending.
2026/01/26 22:00
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Defense minister seeks bipartisan support for arms budget
Taiwan’s defense minister reports on a draft act to boost defense resilience. The plan includes procuring advanced artillery, drones, and missile systems amid rising tensions with China.
2026/01/19 06:58
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Taiwan moves to penalize public calls for military takeover
Taiwan’s Cabinet approved draft amendments Thursday imposing fines up to NT$1 million (US$31,746) on anyone publicly advocating war against Taiwan. The National Security Act changes follow UN covenant obligations and respond to incidents involving Chinese spouses posting videos supporting military takeover. Critics raise freedom of speech concerns as proposals head to Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan for review amid heightened political tensions.
2025/12/19 17:26
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Celebrity draft scandal prompts Taiwan penalty review
Taiwan considers increasing maximum penalties for military draft evasion from 5 to 7 years amid celebrity scandal. Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced ministry reviews following Supreme Prosecutors Office recommendations. Multiple celebrities including Golden Bell winner face charges.
2025/11/06 17:48
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Taiwan detains celebrities in military draft evasion probe
Taiwan authorities detained entertainers in a third wave of searches linked to the "Draft Dodgers Group" case. The investigation focuses on evasion of military service.
2025/10/21 13:00
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Taiwan threatens 7-year sentences for draft dodging
The Ministry of the Interior in Taiwan warns against draft dodging, highlighting severe penalties for forging documents to evade military service. Offenders face up to seven years in prison.
2025/05/17 09:00
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Taiwan defense minister warns draft dodgers face prosecution
Taiwan cracks down on military service evasion, targeting celebrities. Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung warns of legal action. New conscription standards are set.
2025/05/15 08:00
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Actor Darren Wang begins military service amid allegations
Actor Darren Wang begins his mandatory military service amid allegations of draft evasion and inciting violence. Authorities prioritize his conscription despite ongoing investigations.
2025/03/13 09:58
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Taiwan authorities bust military draft-dodging network
Authorities in Taipei detained three members of a draft-dodging syndicate for creating fake medical records to help conscripts avoid military service. The group charged high fees and tailored documents to clients’ needs.
2025/02/19 14:23
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Darren Wang released on bail amid draft evasion probe
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang and others face charges for allegedly evading military service by falsifying medical records. Authorities detained Wang, who was released on bail.
2025/02/19 09:54
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Unauthorized photography around military bases prohibited
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, stated that the Ministry will not interfere with general aviation enthusiasts taking photographs, but any behavior involving scaling walls to capture military installations will be considered reconnaissance activities. This announcement was made during a review of the draft "Military Base Security Maintenance Regulations" bill at the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee. According to the draft bill, unauthorized reconnaissance activities directed at military camp areas, such as measurement, filming, photography, depiction, or description, can result in fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 if they compromise national security. The committee discussed potential issues related to dash cameras unintentionally filming the area or residents of high-rise buildings next to a base. Deputy Chief of Combat Planning, Chen Wen-Hsing, clarified that the draft bill mainly targets harmful reconnaissance activities, while general photography activities remain unaffected. Minister Chiu emphasized that unauthorized photography in restricted areas is considered reconnaissance. Kuomintang legislator Chen I-hsin raised concerns about possible conflicts between existing "Vital Area Regulations" and the proposed new law, suggesting the incorporation of maintaining military base security into existing regulations as a specific chapter.
2023/11/20 19:09
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Taiwan to draft 9,100 men for military service in 2024
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced plans to conscript around 9,100 men for one-year compulsory military service in 2024. The MND, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has completed preliminary plans for monthly conscription. The enlisted men will be assigned to various locations across the island, including eastern defense units, rescue teams, and other guard units. Additionally, conscripts will have the option to serve in offshore islands or scheduled military units based on their specific civilian skills.
2023/10/31 17:55
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Taiwan plans to resume 1-year mandatory military service
With Double Tenth National Day around the corner, troops in Taiwan have been preparing for the annual military parade in front of the Presidential Office.
2022/10/06 20:00