The White House says it welcomes the news that Taiwan will be extending the length of military conscription from four months to a year. President Tsai Ing-wen announced the policy change at a press conference on Tuesday.
New conscription rules will go into motion from January 1, 2024 and will apply to men born after January 1, 2005.
The White House spokesperson told the Central News Agency that this reform highlights Taiwan's commitment to self-defense and strengthening its national security.
The spokesperson added that the United States is committed to ensuring peace across the Taiwan Strait and strengthening Taiwan's defenses. The United States will continue to assist Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, which seeks to maintain peace in the West Pacific.