The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China announced today that in order to strengthen countermeasures against the Chinese Communist Party’s infiltration and sabotage of the national military, the ministry is proposing amendments to the Military Penal Code for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Active duty military personnel showing loyalty to enemies has been deemed a serious threat to national security and could face up to 7 years in prison.
In recent years, the Republic of China’s military has collaborated with national security units to uncover multiple cases of enemy espionage. This highlights the increasingly rampant intelligence gathering and espionage activities by the Chinese Communist Party, mainly through methods such as offering money, investments, and gambling to entice and recruit active duty military personnel. These individuals are often induced to pledge loyalty to the enemy through written agreements or videos, which severely compromises national security.
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan emphasized the importance of active duty military personnel being loyal to the country and protecting the people in accordance with the constitution and relevant laws. Those who betray the country and engage in unlawful acts will not only face the condemnation of the people but also the full force of the law.
Furthermore, the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense clarified in a press release on the evening of the 9th that the restructuring of military forces is carefully evaluated based on factors such as changes in threats from adversaries. The current mandatory military service period is one year, contrary to media reports claiming that “the United States is requesting Taiwan to extend mandatory military service to two years,” which are unfounded.
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan explained that any adjustment to the military service period requires a comprehensive consideration of national security, international situations, defense needs, and societal development. Since the adjustment of the military service period to one year in 2024, efforts have been made to accumulate training outcomes. While respecting discussions on the length of service in various sectors, there are currently no plans for any adjustments.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that reports citing unverified sources alleging that “the United States is requesting an extension of Taiwan’s mandatory military service to two years” are not based on facts according to the official clarification provided by the Ministry of National Defense. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also firmly denied having received any such information. The spreading of false information by certain public figures affecting the narrative of Taiwan-U.S. relations is regrettable, as clarified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.