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Taiwan volunteer forces rise by over 5,000 despite demographic decline

Taiwan’s defense ministry attributed the gain to higher military pay, improved living conditions, and relaxed recruitment standards, while retention rates rose 5.2 percentage points.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

Taiwan’s volunteer force increased by more than 5,000 personnel as of June compared with a year earlier, according to figures submitted to the legislature by the defense ministry, even as the island faces worsening demographic decline.

The ministry said the rise was driven by higher military pay, improved living conditions, relaxed recruitment standards, and more people-oriented personnel management.

It also reported that the measures helped lift volunteer numbers by more than 3,000 in 2025, increase retention rates by 5.2 percentage points, and reduce discharges of personnel deemed unsuitable for service by 1,652.

Lawmakers and military analysts warned that recruitment alone may not address deeper structural issues, arguing that combat readiness could still suffer unless the military also retains experienced personnel, a critique highlighted by SCMP Economy.

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