A US think tank has affirmed Taiwan’s move to change its current conscription period from four months to one year. Head of the Washington-based Project 2049 Institute Randall Schriver made the comment on Wednesday while meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in Taipei. The think tank specializes in issues relating to the Taiwan Strait.
Schriver says he believes it would be costly for both Taiwan and China if deterrence efforts do not work and there is a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. He says Taiwan must strengthen its deterrence efforts now through extending mandatory military service. Schriver adds that Taiwan should be well prepared for any scenario. That includes by strategically deploying weapons and ammunition, and ensuring it has enough energy and food supplies.
Schriver also points out that the intention of the Chinese military’s activities is to send a political message targeting Taiwan’s upcoming 2024 presidential election. He assumes Chinese aggression is meant to influence the mood of the Taiwanese people and their opinions on the country’s future.