Taiwan is extending the duration of the mandatory military service

Taiwan is extending the duration of the mandatory military service amid China threat.

The duration of military service under conscription will be increased from four months to one year.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to announce the extension in military service for all adult men in a press conference on Tuesday following a high-level meeting on national security.

The presidential office said on Monday that a proposal to “adjust the structure” of national defense was on the agenda without providing details.

If the corresponding decision is made, then the changes to the term of service for conscripts would come into effect in 2024.

The Defense Post notes that in the past, Taiwan’s compulsory military service was shortened from one year to four months with the aim of creating a primarily volunteer force.

But according to the publication, recent polling showed over three-quarters of the Taiwanese public now believes that to be too short.

Taiwan has stepped up reservist training and increased its purchases of warplanes and anti-ship missiles to bolster its defenses. However, the defense experts claimed that is not enough to confront China.

Previously, on Monday, the authorities of Taiwan reported that China sent a record number of planes toward the airspace of the Republic of China.

This regards about 71 aircraft, including fighter jets and drones.

Also, seven Chinese navy warships were deployed near the island.

According to reports, 47 planes of the People’s Republic of China crossed the middle line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial buffer zone between the two sides.