Taiwan is considering enlisting foreign nationals to strengthen its armed forces, as concerns grow over a potential invasion by China.
Lawmakers in Taipei are proposing the creation of a “foreign legion” for Taiwan’s military, modeled after similar programs in other countries.
In the US, foreign recruits can serve for two years before being granted citizenship, providing a pathway for continued military service.
The proposal comes as Taiwan grapples with a decline in its armed forces.
Reports indicate an increasing number of troops opting for early discharge, leaving the island nation with approximately 150,000 active-duty personnel supported by 1.6 million reservists.
By comparison, China reportedly maintains over 2 million active soldiers and 500,000 reservists.
Challenges in Maintaining Force Levels
According to Alexander Huang, a security expert and professor at Tamkang University, Taiwan’s volunteer force saw a decrease of 12,000 personnel between January 2022 and June 2024.
This figure is projected to decline further by another 5,000 in 2025, potentially reaching a seven-year low.
The Legislative Yuan’s Budget Center reports that Taiwan’s military is operating at an average of 20 percent below its personnel requirements.
“There are many reasons behind the fall,” stated retired Admiral Richard Chen Yeong-kang, a legislator from the Kuomintang party. “First of all, Taiwan has a very low birth rate which is currently the second slowest in Asia.”
Chen also pointed to stiff competition from the private sector, alongside relatively low salaries and benefits, as reasons military service is less appealing to young people.
If approved, a foreign legion could provide a critical boost to Taiwan’s defense capabilities. The island is home to nearly 1 million foreign residents.
