Even Those 155cm Tall Serve in the Military... Taiwan Strengthens Military Service Exemption Criteria

Threat of Chinese Invasion and Declining Birthrate Leading to Reduced Troops
Extension of Mandatory Service, Female Reservist Training, etc.
Attempts to Strengthen Military Power Due to Security Concerns

In Taiwan, where the security crisis is escalating due to threats from China, the criteria for 'military service exemption' are being raised. This is an extension of efforts to strengthen military power, including the extension of mandatory service periods and reserve training for female soldiers.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency on the 6th, the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan changed the height criterion for military service exemption to 'below 155 cm' as of the 30th of last month. The body mass index (BMI, calculated by dividing weight by the square of height) criterion was also changed to 'over 35 or below 15.' The previous standards were 'below 157 cm' and 'over 31 or below 17,' respectively. By slightly adjusting these standards, the exemption criteria have been tightened to secure a larger number of conscripts.

Taiwanese soldiers carrying firearms while moving during a live-fire exercise conducted on Penghu Island in the Taiwan Strait in October last year.
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

Additionally, for patients with hereditary diseases, whereas previously only past medical records and diagnosis certificates were required, a new internal additional testing process such as genetic testing has been established. Vision-related exemption criteria will also be conducted more thoroughly compared to before.

This appears to be a countermeasure in response to China's amendment of the 'Conscription Work Regulations' implemented last month. Through this, the Chinese government can re-enlist retired soldiers and focus on conscripting students majoring in science and engineering.

Recently, tensions between the US and China in the Taiwan Strait and conflicts between China and Taiwan have intensified. The Taiwanese government is repeatedly attempting to strengthen its military power due to increased threats from China and security concerns caused by a decline in enlistment due to low birth rates.

Earlier, at the end of last year, the Taiwanese government decided to extend the mandatory military service period from the current 4 months to 1 year starting January 1, 2024. According to the Ministry of National Defense's adjustment plan, the 1-year mandatory service period will apply to males born after 1995.

Also, last month, reserve training mobilization for discharged female soldiers was held for the first time. The Taiwanese military plans to encourage about 200 discharged female soldiers to participate in reserve training this year to address the decrease in military manpower.

Taiwan's current military strength is about 180,000 personnel, with female soldiers accounting for approximately 15%. The number of discharged female soldiers was about 9,000 as of 2021. In contrast, China's military strength is known to be about 2 million.