- What is Taiwan's strategic geopolitical importance?
Taiwan is located in the middle of a chain of islands in the West Pacific Ocean between two of Asia's most important waterways, the Taiwan Strait and the Bashi Channel, giving Taiwan strategic command of the sea-lanes in East Asia. In addition to this geographical advantage, Taiwan's superior infrastructure allows it to effectively support strategic defense measures in the Western Pacific.
- How has China threatened Taiwan's security?
The direct and most serious threat to Taiwan's security today is Beijing's unwillingness to renounce the use of military force against Taiwan. During the past decade, Beijing has continuously increased its military budget and significantly accelerated the modernization of its armed forces in accordance with this increased spending. Furthermore, China has continued to be a major producer and international supplier of both ballistic missiles and nuclear technology.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 allowed China to shift forces from its northern borders to its southern and coastal areas. In 1995 and 1996, Beijing conducted a series of live-fire military exercises and missile tests in the waters near Taiwan. Some analysts believe that these staged exercises were trials for a real attack on Taiwan. Finally, in an attempt to maintain its military advantage over Taiwan, China has systematically interfered in Taiwan's efforts to procure modern, defensive weapons.
- What military service is required for men on Taiwan?
The Military Service Law requires all males to fulfill military service of 22 months. Young men are inducted at the age of 18. Senior high school, vocational high school, and college students whose studies would be interrupted by military conscription can defer induction until after graduation.
Those who are physically unfit are exempt from military conscription, and those in average health may serve in the reserves. Draftees from impoverished families may apply for reserve status, allowing them to stay with their families. In addition, the only son of parents who are over 70 may also apply for reserve service to fulfill military obligations. Citizens who have been sentenced to imprisonment for five years or have served a total of three years in prison are ineligible for service.
In July 2000, an alternative service program was instituted that allowed a limited number of servicemen to be assigned to various non-military jobs. The categories include domestic security (police and fire fighters), social services (social, environmental protection, medical, and educational services), and other categories designated by the Executive Yuan.
- What is Taiwan's current military status?
The military is required to protect Taiwan from military threats, maintain national security, and assure the continuing development of democracy and the economy. The weapon systems used by the three armed services are continuously being modernized. Defense systems include four E-2T air defense warning aircraft, the Ching-kuo indigenous defense fighter (IDF) aircraft; the Cheng-kung, Lafayette, and Knox-class missile frigates; and attack and reconnaissance helicopters.
The Armed Forces Refining Program reduced the total number of personnel in the Armed Forces from 450,000 in 1997 to 380,000 in 2001. In addition, defense strategy calls for maintaining a minimum force in peacetime and mobilizing a large number of troops in the event of war. At present, registered reservists in the ROC number about three million, or more than 15 percent of the general population.
