Female soldiers in Taiwan participated in their inaugural reservist training on Tuesday (May 9),. They trained with gas masks and in assuming positions on a playground while aiming rifles at their targets.
This training session signifies Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its defenses against China. This will assert its claim over Taiwan as its territory.
Over the past year, Beijing has conducted numerous military exercises near the self-governing island.
In January, the defense ministry in Taipei made an announcement, permitting over 200 women to participate in voluntary reservist training. This significant step marked the inclusion of women for the first time in efforts to strengthen and enhance the armed forces of the nation.
“You may not see any ‘Rambos’ here,” ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang told reporters on Tuesday.
“But what you will see are our male and also first batch of female reservist soldiers who are willing to use their time to return to the barracks for training,” he said.
“I think this is very important in ensuring our country’s safety and demonstrating the people’s resolve in protecting our country.” Taiwanese men are required to do mandatory military service and reservist training, but women can also volunteer to serve in the armed forces.