Controversial amendments to an existing law aimed at preparing Taiwan’s civilian population for war may be postponed.
The proposed amendments include provisions requiring students aged 16 and above to train for and participate in non-combat war efforts. This could include first aid and weapons manufacturing. While the government says students would not be sent to the front lines, some parents and students question if wartime participation from minors is a good idea.
The amendments also propose regulations for individuals and media companies which publish what the Defense Ministry deems “false information” during wartime. This raised concerns among many over freedoms of speech and press violations.
The amendments have received criticism from both major political camps. DPP legislator Tsai Shih-ying (蔡適應) says the controversial laws should be introduced through the regular legislative process to allow debate. KMT lawmakers Sandy Yu (游毓蘭) voiced concerns that the amendments reminded her of the country’s authoritarian past.