Taiwan plans to extend conscription due to China threat

Taiwan announced Tuesday plans to extend its compulsory military service for men from four months to one year due to rising threats from China. 

"China's expansion continues to impact the international order, threatens regional peace and stability, and affects cross-strait relations," Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said at a press conference, as translated.

Men over the age of 18 have been required to serve four months in Taiwan's military, including five weeks of basic training, since 2013. Before this, conscripts served up to two years. Starting in 2024, service members will be required to serve for a year with eight weeks of basic training, The Guardian reported.

Under the new plan, the monthly salary of conscription soldiers will quadruple from $211 to $856.

"Only by preparing for war can we avoid war," Tsai said.

China began holding drills in Taiwan's waters and even held joint military exercises with Russia in August. Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to reunify the self-governing island nation with the Communist country. Chief of U.S. Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday in October warned that China may invade Taiwan within months.