Calay News
Taiwan is carrying out its first training of women reservists in an effort to bolster its defense against China. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced in January that it would allow over 200 former military personnel to train as reservists for the first time, including women. On Tuesday, 14 former female soldiers participated in a five-day training program in the city of Taoyuan. Taiwanese men are required to complete military service and reserve training, while women can serve voluntarily in the armed forces.
Military analysts have urged Taiwan to prepare for a possible invasion by China, and allowing women to join the armed forces is one form of preparation. Tension between Taiwan and China has escalated after China conducted military exercises around the island in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and a senior US official. China regards Taiwan as a Chinese province that has yet to be reunified with the rest of its territory and has increased pressure on the island to accept its authority.
The spokesperson for the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense, Sun Li-fang, said that it is important to ensure the country’s security and that showing the determination of the people is one way to do so. The participation of women in training as reservists could help send a message to China that Taiwan is willing to defend itself and that its people are committed to their security. Some lawmakers have proposed imposing some form of military service for women, while other analysts have suggested that Taiwan should continue to improve its defensive capabilities and strengthen its international alliances to counter the threat from China. In any case, the training of women reservists is a significant step in Taiwan’s preparation for a possible Chinese invasion and a reminder that the island is committed to its own defense.
