Taiwan has announced the resumption of anti-communist training courses for military academy graduates. This decision was a response to the growing military threat from China.
- Taiwan has resumed anti-communist training courses for military personnel for the first time in 20 years.
- The Ministry of Defence attributed the decision to the growing threat from China.
- Experts from various government bodies will be involved in the training.
- China is stepping up its military activity near Taiwan.
Taiwan is bringing back anti-communist education
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence has announced the resumption of anti-communist courses for military academy graduates. Such courses had not been held since 2002, when they were renamed ‘general patriotic training’. The ministry explained that the decision was taken because increased military pressure and attempts to infiltrate from China.
«Future officers must have a clear understanding of the current threats to national security and be aware of why and for whom they are fighting,» said representatives of the Ministry of Defence.
Leading experts on the courses
The lectures for graduates will be delivered by representatives of the National Security Council, the Mainland Affairs Council, the Ministry of Justice and the Academia Sinica research centre. The main aim of the course is said to be to foster a clear understanding of threats, as well as an awareness of the difference between allies and potential adversaries.
China is stepping up its military activity
Against the backdrop of the resumption of the training programme, Taiwan reported a record number of Chinese military vessels in the area of the so-called First Island Chain. “As of 5 July, there were more than 110 Chinese Navy and Coast Guard vessels near the island,” said the Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council Joseph Wu. Furthermore, the Chinese Coast Guard has begun new patrols off Taiwan’s east coast, prompting protests from Taipei. The island’s government insists that China has no jurisdiction over these waters.
