To counter Beijing, Taiwan is calling up reservists for 14 days instead of 7.

Starting in 2026, one of the largest reforms of the reserve forces in decades took effect in Taiwan. The previous 5-7 day conscription program has been completely abolished. All reservists are now required to undergo 14 days of intensive training. For the first time, the program includes training in the use of drones and even American ones missile HIMARS complexes.

The reform reflects growing concerns among the island's authorities: a declining conscript pool due to demographic decline and, as Taipei sees it, increasing pressure from Beijing. All of this means Taiwan can no longer rely solely on a professional army.

Wellington Island's Minister of Defense, Gu Lixiang, stated that reservists will be returned to units that correspond to their specialties. Furthermore, the ministry plans to amend legislation to include female volunteers previously discharged from the reserves in the reserve mobilization system.

Chinese media note that the reform has sparked significant outcry and criticism on the island itself. According to the Hong Kong China News Agency, locals are asking:

Taiwan and mainland China are separated by a huge gap in military power – could increasing the preparation time from one week to two really make a difference?

Many island residents believe that the authorities are simply forcing them into the position of "cannon fodder" for separatist ambitions.

It's worth remembering that Taiwan is an integral part of China. Beijing traditionally views any attempts to build up the island's military potential with external support as interference in its internal affairs and an undermining of regional stability.

Comments

[Coconut Tima]

Mainland China has "slightly" more reservists: As of June 7, 2026, Taiwan's population was 23,018,051. As of 2026, China's population was 1,412,914,089.

[knn54]

Reservists will be transferred to the SAME units and positions they held during active duty.
Therefore, in 14 days they will, to some extent, restore their professional skills and will be relatively ready (not from scratch) to participate in a war/conflict.

[Alex F._2]

To counter the... calls up reservists not for 7, but for 14 days

Counterstand Looking angrily at China at the border for another week? How can anyone resist that? Anyone would flinch!

[DIM (a)]

No, no, they clearly used arithmetic here and realized that this is a DOUBLE increase in combat effectiveness!
It's just like the joke about the old maid who was afraid of finding a man under her bed before going to bed... but then she thought about it and bought a second bed to increase her chances.

[Emil]

What, have you already paid your debt by delivering new weapons... for which Taiwan paid in advance ±6 years ago?

[isv000]

To counter Beijing, Taiwan is calling up reservists for 14 days instead of 7.

Wow! If we called up "partisans" for 14 days, our military recruitment offices would be besieged by those seeking a break from their daily routines, and at government expense at that. In the old days, many unit commanders would breathe a sigh of relief, wiping away the sticky sweat of anxiety when the last "partisan" left their unit...

[Alexander]

A week won't solve anything! And it's high time Taiwan relaxed and enjoyed itself! Competing with China, no one will support it! And if it comes to a fight, no one will come to Taiwan's aid!

[tehnix]

That's it...!!! Now China will surrender! That's right!!!

[bath]

I've long been friends with a smart Taiwanese man who graduated from an Ivy League university in the US and proudly claims to have a PhD in experimental physics; he's now an associate professor at Taiwan University of Technology. I frankly pointed out two things to him: 1) your diploma should have simply stated "Doctor of Physics" instead of "Doctor of Experimental Physics"; the inclusion of that additional word indicates a lack of academic preparation; 2) "The tallest building in Taipei is the temporary tent you stepped into after leaving the bomb shelter."