Hsiao Bi-khim, a legislator from Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party, on Monday questioned the viability of Taiwan moving toward an all-volunteer military force, raising the possibility of resuming conscription should the DPP retake power in 2016 as is widely expected.
Sounding the alarm over the country's defense posture at a legislative hearing, Hsiao cited a survey conducted by Academia Sinica's Institute of Sociology that showed support for Taiwan resuming its conscription policy.
Asked, "Do you support Taiwan resuming conscription to bolster its military strength?" over 50% of respondents in each age group answered "yes," with more than 70% in the 30-39 age bracket backing the idea, Hsiao said.
Ministry of Defense officials responded at the hearing that Taiwan cannot backtrack from its path toward an all-volunteer armed forces.
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