Taiwan Must Heed the Wake-Up Call From Ukraine

Taiwan’s decision to shake up compulsory military service — extending it to one year, among other measures — has prompted generous commentators to argue that Taipei is finally getting serious about self-defense and deterrence, seizing the window of opportunity provided by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to make a necessary but politically difficult move. The less magnanimous pointed out that the change has been a long time coming, and behind-the-scenes US arm-twisting may have focused minds.

Either way, in the face of an increasingly assertive China, this is at best a first step. From genuinely overhauling conscript and reservist training to adjusting military procurement and addressing critical vulnerabilities like energy supply, Taiwan has far more to do if it is to adequately prepare for catastrophic conflict with its giant neighbor. And, ideally, avert it.