Beijing carried out military maneuvers around the island for three days in retaliation for the Taiwanese president’s visit to the United States.
Are Beijing’s military exercises around Taiwan really over? Tuesday, April 11, the day after the official end of the maneuvers, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense claims to have detected nine Chinese warships and 26 aircraft around the island.
>> Taiwan: what is China trying to do by simulating a military “closure” of the island?
The fears of an open conflict are therefore still there, and the Taiwan authorities have understood this well. They will extend military service from four months to one year from 2024. This period should allow better training of reservists, for many far from being prepared for war.
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Among these reservists, Yul-Yong, 25, who prefers to be called Bob. He does not keep an imperishable memory of his military service: “To be honest, we learned how to clean our room. I didn’t learn how to load my submachine gun, not once. I didn’t know how to put bullets in it. My gun was worn and old. Usable, but c ‘is all.”
“It’s not like we really prepare people for war”
This young man does not feel at all ready to face Chinese soldiers, who are much better trained and equipped than him. “For four months I learned nothinghe adds. So if we extend the service to one year, to train people well, I think they could fight against China.”
“Taiwan is ours, our country. Our home!”
The Taiwan Army currently has 165,000 active soldiers and military officers. Their training will also be extended by decision of the authorities. Alan, also 25, also did his military service four years ago. “In fact, there are few soldiers in Taiwan who have been involved in a conflicthe says. There are confidential missions abroad, training abroad, but it’s not like it really prepares people for war. This is why the power changes its strategy.” The future combat readiness of Taiwanese soldiers will be modeled on that of American soldiers. Marines are already training Taiwanese army and navy units.
A divided population
When it comes to people in Taiwan, generations are divided over China’s attitude. Young people are more attached to their sovereignty. “There is no democracy in China, says Ela, a young mother who lives in Taipei. I want my son to know that he is Taiwanese and not Chinese. Because he was born here and not in China! This country so closed-minded…”
The discourse is different among the older generation, a more conciliatory generation with regard to Beijing: “My brother lives in China, my sister here. We are one family. It’s just the name of the country that changes. We’re all Chinese,” assures this inhabitant of Taipei, who does not reflect the opinion dominating in the population. A majority of the inhabitants of the island feel first and foremost Taiwanese.