A bill aimed at creating a new Defense Reserve Mobilization Agency has passed its third reading in Taiwan’s legislature. The new agency will replace two existing agencies to take charge of the military’s mobilization strategy in case of a conflict.
Lawmaker Liu Chien-kuo says centralizing military strategy and strengthening military capabilities is of critical importance given the threat of an attack by China. He says the establishment of a new agency will not only increase overall military capacity, but also turn Taiwan’s reserves into a proper fighting force.
The chief of the new Defense Reserve Mobilization Agency will have the equivalent rank of a lieutenant general. They will oversee a number of key duties, including planning, supervision, and implementation of mobilization policy, as well as oversight of Taiwan’s reserve military force.
The legislation also aims to strengthen cooperation between the central government and local authorities. It stipulates that the new agency will report to Taiwan’s Cabinet for approval for its plans, at which point the government will coordinate with relevant departments and local governments.