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President Tsai opens new facilities at Kaohsiung military base

ROC Central News Agency

12/23/2022 04:37 PM

Taipei, Dec. 23 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Friday inaugurated new military facilities at a Republic of China (Taiwan) Army base in Kaohsiung, saying they provide "a better living environment" for military personnel based there.

She did not make any comments, however, on her government's reported plans to extend the compulsory military service period for men over the age of 18 from four months to one year to improve the combat strength of Taiwan's Armed Forces.

The new facilities at the base in Kaohsiung's Renwu District include a four-floor building that is replacing a military barracks that had become battered after years of use, the Eighth Field Army said in a statement.

The building has 153 dorm rooms that can each accommodate one to five people, and also includes office spaces, a canteen, a small library, a counseling room and a gym, the statement said.

Aside from the new building, an assembly area, a basketball court and a pond have also been added to the base, the statement said.

The new facilities, which cost NT$620 million (US$20.1 million), were part of the government's plan to replace old facilities and improve the overall environment across Taiwan's 103 military bases.

At the inaugural ceremony, Tsai said the new multifunctional building and other facilities would provide "a better living environment" for the 43rd Artillery Command under the Eighth Field Army operating there.

A better quality of life and sound training will enable the troops to elevate their combat abilities, Tsai said, adding that seven out of the 103 projects had been completed since the government launched the plan in 2017, with 78 others currently under construction.

Tsai reiterated her commitment to taking good care of military personnel while expressing the hope that the military will continue demonstrating its resolve to safeguard the country.

Tsai's appearance at the Kaohsiung military base came two days after the Presidential Office said the president would convene with high-level officials next week to discuss plans to reform the country's conscription, which support Taiwan's 160,000 voluntary troops.

The government is reportedly planning to extend the current mandatory service for men over the age of 18 from four months to one year in the face of China's threat.

Asked by local media at the base about the government plan, Tsai did not respond.

(By Hung Hsueh-kuang and Teng Pei-ju)

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