In response to the growing threat from the mainland, Taiwan’s government announced an extension of mandatory military service from four months to one year in late 2022. Last Thursday, the first recruits began their training under this regulation. According to Army Command Headquarters Chief of Staff Chen Chien-yi, 9,127 new recruits have been enlisted. 7,514 are divided between the North, Centre, South and East regions. The remaining 1,613 will begin their military training in February and March with Navy and Air Force units.