Taiwan’s defense minister responded on Monday to calls for the lengthening of a runway on the outlying island of Taiping.
The island is administered by Taiwan; it is part of the disputed Spratly Islands, which are located in the South China Sea. The Spratlys are claimed by several other countries, including China and Vietnam.
A lawmaker from the ruling party, Lin Yu-fang, spoke on Saturday about how China and Vietnam have been beefing up their military bases in the Spratlys. Lin said that once Taiwan completes a new pier on Taiping Island at the end of this year, work should begin on lengthening the island’s runway.
Defense Minister Kao Kuang-chi said Monday that he was optimistic about the possibility of lengthening the runway. However, he said that the Cabinet and national security officials need to discuss the matter further.
Meanwhile, the defense minister also responded to reports that there is currently a shortage of some 30,000 professional soldiers. That’s a concern, with Taiwan phasing out compulsory military service. Kao admitted that recruitment has been tough, but he said the ministry is working on it. He said the numbers have gradually increased, and that the goal is to decrease the vacancies as much as possible this year.