That’s due to a recent policy change implemented by the #Taiwanese government amid rising tensions with #China and the shock of the #Russian invasion of #ukraine
But Pei-Hao hasn’t always followed the news of the Ukraine War. He can only focus on what could happen to him.
“Unlike my dad, if #China invaded, I would have no choice but go up to the frontline,” he said, with a firm voice. “Only young men are going to war.”
Many in #Taiwan are worried that #China will take the same action as Russia did two years ago, and attack their smaller neighbor.
The #Russian invasion of #Ukraine shocked the world, but it was more than shocking to the Taiwanese. 10 months later, #taiwan President announced that the #conscription would be extended from 4 months to 1 year.
Pei-Hao tried to laugh, but his eyes were not smiling.
“I guess I can’t blame the government for changing the policy,” he sighed. (Tim’s note: Sarcastic griping is a time-honored tradition among soldiers He’ll fit right in!)
So that all sons have contact with their parents without breaking the no-cell-phone rules, Chief Lee, head of #Taiwanese#conscription service, distributes a pay phone card to each teen, who is now officially a member of the army
“I hope it doesn’t happen during the time I’m serving,” said Lin, an 18-year-old who didn’t give out his full name. “I’m worried about my girlfriend. She may not be able to pay the rent without me,” Lin said.
The move for longer #conscription reverses a historical trend. In 2013, the #Taiwanese government had shortened conscription from one year to just four months. The ultimate goal was to phase out conscription altogether, until #Russia invaded #Ukraine in 2022...
“Sure, #Taiwan doesn’t have a war now, but it doesn’t mean it won’t happen,” said Karina, who has a particular insight on war: she is one of the #Ukrainians who has been living in Taiwan for two years.
“I can’t imagine if #Russia wins the war. I can’t sleep.”
#Taiwan President-Elect Marks 228 Anniversary: William Lai attended a 228 memorial marking a bloody conflict in his island’s history. “It was the biggest mistake of the country and its government in Taiwan’s history,” he said.
What happened: On Feb 28, 1947, the ruling party, KMT, opened fire on protesters and announced martial law for the next 40 years. According to an incident report from 1992, the death toll for local #Taiwanese and #Chinese immigrants is over 18,000.
Tension around #Kinmen waters rising: The #Taiwan Coast Guard (TCG) chased a #Chinese vessel that crossed into Taiwanese waters earlier this month. As they fled, the Chinese boat capsized. Two Chinese fishermen died.
#China asked those who caused the incident to go to China for further investigation, and for the TCG to apologize to the families of Chinese fishermen. All such requests have been denied. #TCG has sent delegations to China to negotiate compensation but have so far failed.
The DPP's, Taiwan's ruling party, Department of International Affairs director Lee Wen told me that last year he flew to Taipei to join the parade from Mazu island, which is another Taiwan territory island near China.
Anu also described how in Soviet times, Russia had tried to influence Estonia’s culture and language by sending Russian immigrants to live there. Taiwan has a similar history, with a slightly different background.
A lot I encountered at the parade showed me how similar Taiwan is to Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
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