KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan: Amid ongoing aggressive maneuvers from China, Taiwan’s military faces significant hurdles in meeting recruitment objectives for professional personnel, with substantial challenges looming in reversing this trend. Between 2022 and 2024, approximately 12,000 service members departed from Taiwan’s military. Concerns are being raised by officials from both the government and military sectors, leading to renewed discussions—albeit informal—about potentially enlisting foreign migrants into the armed forces, a topic that has been floated for around 20 years.
The primary reason for the decline in enlistment is straightforward: demographics. Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, boasts the second-lowest birthrate in Asia, trailing only South Korea. While military compensation is generally competitive, there are calls for improvements. Low morale, although often exaggerated, contributes to the situation, compounded by intense competition from the private sector.
Taiwan’s military capabilities are critical for deterring threats from its formidable neighbor just 100 miles away. In recent years, China has ramped up aggressive rhetoric and incursions into Taiwan’s air and maritime defense zones, applying pressure on Taiwan to concede.
American Christopher Clifford, also known as YouTuber “Uncle Topher,” reaches an audience of around 112,000 Taiwanese viewers interested in geopolitics. With a military background as a former Captain in the U.S. 101st Airborne Division and experience in the Iraq War, Clifford provides insights that challenge the narratives surrounding a potential Chinese invasion. He notes that, due to the repercussions of China’s former “One-Child Policy,” many young Chinese men are now regarded as “only sons,” thereby acutely aware of their responsibilities to family lineage.
While acknowledging the issue of decreasing troop numbers, Clifford highlights that various modern militaries—including China’s—are grappling with similar recruitment and retention challenges. He observes that Taiwan’s military has begun to implement necessary changes, such as relaxing regulations around tattoos and height restrictions. However, he envisions a future where conflicts are resolved through cyber warfare and misinformation campaigns rather than conventional military engagements.
Debate remains regarding the United States’ readiness to intervene should China attempt an attack or blockade on Taiwan. Chang Ching emphasizes that while the U.S. maintains a strategic ambiguity policy, many young Taiwanese may harbor misconceptions about American support. He expresses skepticism about replenishing military ranks, referring to pension cuts for retired military personnel in 2018, which alienated a crucial support base for Taiwan’s armed forces.
Historically, Taiwanese men served a minimum of two years in the military from the 1950s until the early 2000s. As Taiwan evolved into a full democracy, both major political parties pushed for a reduction and eventual elimination of mandatory service. By 2013, conscription was reduced to a four-month boot camp, but in 2022, the government reinstated a one-year service requirement starting in January 2024 following former President Tsai Ing-wen’s announcement.
In light of these challenges, discussions surrounding the potential enlistment of over 800,000 migrant workers residing on the island have resurfaced. Many of these workers hail from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, and their incorporation into military service has been suggested as a possible solution to bolster numbers.
Clifford proposes that a foreign legion composed of skilled workers such as mechanics and engineers could be formed, allowing them to support military efforts in non-combat roles during peacetime while also preparing for potential wartime responsibilities.
Taiwan relies heavily on the United States as its principal ally and arms supplier. President Lai hopes to persuade parliament to significantly boost defense expenditures, with Taiwan waiting for a military procurement backlog valued at nearly $22 billion from the U.S. However, the pressing issue may be the lack of adequately trained personnel to operate these advanced weapon systems.
Eryk Michael Smith, a correspondent based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has reported since 2007 on various topics, including Taiwan-China relations and developments in science and technology within the region. Follow him at @ErykSmithTaiwan.
