Taiwan’s military is set to launch a new agency charged with mobilizing reservists. The agency is set to begin function on January 1.
On Thursday, ahead of the official launch, President Tsai Ing-wen presided over a ceremony held to mark the agency’s establishment. She said that the All-out Defense Mobilization Agency will push forward the reform of the reserves system, unite reservists and active duty soldiers, and promote cooperation between different government bodies. But she said it will also drive citizens’ determination to defend the nation.
She said that instilling the will to defend the nation among all citizens will make Taiwan’s national defense as firm as possible. She said that this will also show the world Taiwan’s determination not to provoke war, but not to fear it either, as well as Taiwan’s determination to defend itself.
She said that Taiwan faces technological advances and changes to the way war is waged, including the emergence of non-traditional threats. She says that national defense is therefore not just the responsibility of the military but of each citizen.
Tsai said that mandatory refresher courses for reservists will be extended to 14 days at a time beginning next year, and that the scope of training will be expanded. She said that the agency’s first mission is to evaluate the results of this expanded training during the final quarter of next year.
Tsai charged the defense ministry with setting up channels of communication with various other government bodies as well as local governments across Taiwan. She said that this will allow for the mobilization of manpower and supplies during wartime.
Finally, she called on the new agency to examine mobilization plans in accordance with Taiwan’s defensive needs. She said that local governments must cooperate with national defense policy in order to enhance the capability of Taiwan’s military reserves and strengthen Taiwan’s ability to defend itself.