The defense ministry says there’s been no change to the government’s policy of implementing an all-volunteer military force by the end of the year. That was the word from Deputy Defense Minister Chen Yeong-kang on Monday.
According to a survey released by Academia Sinica earlier this year, 70% of respondents between the ages of 30 and 39 support the current policy of conscription.
Opposition lawmaker Hsiao Bi-khim on Monday called on the defense ministry to prepare for possible contingencies after conscription ends this year. She said it’s impossible to build an all-volunteer military force, due to a lack of government funding.
Deputy Defense Minister Chen Yeong-kang said the ministry will take steps to maintain Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
“As a matter of fact, the government’s determination to push for an all-volunteer military force remains unchanged," said Chen. "We will not backtrack on our policy. From now till the end of 2016, those who were born before 1993 but have yet to serve their military service will be conscripted into the military. That will enable the government to activate emergency measures if the number of volunteers fails to meet the target.”