Special report | Taiwan
Taiwan is a vital island that is under serious threat
Taiwan’s fate will, ultimately, be decided by the battle-readiness of its people, says Alice Su
When Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, announced the extension of military conscription in December 2022, she called it an “incomparably difficult decision”. Taiwan’s young were previously subject to only four months of conscription. Starting from 2024, they will serve a year each, with improved training. “No one wants war,” she said. “But peace will not fall from the sky.” Taiwan must prepare for war, she added, to prevent it.
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This article appeared in the Special report section of the print edition under the headline “A vital island”
From the March 11th 2023 edition
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