Finland’s voluntary national defense training is of interest in Taiwan, which, like Finland, has a large and unpredictable neighbor.
TAIPEI Rolls of gauze wrap around the arms, accompanied by bursts of laughter. We are in the meeting room of a security company, which serves as a mass bonding place.
Fifty men and women practice rescue missions under the guidance of a defense trainer. Neither he nor his company wants his name in the public domain.
Nowadays, many volunteer national defense courses of this style are organized in the capital of Taiwan.
The popularity of the courses has increased especially since Russia started a war of aggression in Ukraine last year.
The war in Ukraine has remained in the headlines in Taiwan, even though the geographical distance from the East Asian island is more than 8,000 kilometers.
The Taiwanese feel a sense of identification with Ukraine because they too have a large and hostile, militarily bulging neighbor. Many Taiwanese have been disappointed that the United States has not sent its troops to help Ukraine.
China’s military threats to Taiwan have increased in recent months. China is believed to have tried to influence the presidential election held in Taiwan a week ago.
Working as an office assistant Evory says that he came to the national defense course precisely because of China’s attack.
– The relationship between Taiwan and China has tightened quite a bit. I felt that I didn’t have enough information on how to act if the danger of war increased, let alone if war actually broke out. I missed the training, he says.
“We don’t fire the first shot”
Foreign Minister of Taiwan Jaushieh Joseph Wu says in an interview with that China’s military provocations near Taiwan’s territorial waters and airspace have become almost daily.
According to Wu, this poses special challenges for Taiwan’s own defense forces. Soldiers must keep a cool head as the Chinese approach.
– The order to our soldiers is clear: We never fire the first shot. But of course we draw a line for the Chinese that they cannot cross without facing our harsh response.
– Taiwan does not provoke or look for problems. With our own actions, we try to minimize all risks of conflict, Wu tells .
Taiwan is in the past two years increased its defense budget to 2.6 percent of its gross domestic product. The increase is considerable. For example, NATO considers two percent of GDP as an appropriate target level for its member countries.
Taiwan has also raised men length of general conscription from four months to a year.
In addition to this, the government encourages citizens to attend voluntary national defense courses.
According to Wu, Finland has served as a role model for Taiwan in organizing them.
– Finland offers a perfect model for us. Our contact office in Helsinki has been in active contact with local operators and acquired information about their experiences. We consider it very important to train volunteers, says Wu.