MNA

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (18 th ) that an analysis and comparison of the balloon remains discovered by Dongyin Area Command recently were conducted by a professional team organized by the MND. The remnants were found to be from a meteorological sounding instrument free from any cameras (recordings) and audio-visual equipment. As pointed out by the MND, the internal structure of the balloon includes antenna, temperature (humidity) sensing elements, data transmitter boards, lithium batteries, and other components, but without any cameras (recordings) or related storage devices. The recovered remnants were dismantled and underwent forensic analysis. As such, the device is believed to be of the same structure as a sound balloon. The MND has further clarified that most of the air balloons discovered around the Taiwan Strait have been concentrated around the time from December to February based on statistics of recent years, as they are timed to the prevailing winding direction. The MND will continue to make use of joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance measures to closely follow developments around the Taiwan Strait.

In response to media reports about “the low acceptance rate of the voluntary registration system for education recall as shown in a survey”, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has clarified as follows today (10 th ): 1. At a regular press conference held on January 17 this year, the MND issued the announcements and explanations of various quotas, qualifications, training units, and the online registration system for reserves who wish to volunteer to participate in call-up training. As noted in the announcements, all reserves who have been discharged within the past 12 years, meet the physical requirements, and have not been included in the call-up lots this year are encouraged to sign up for training. 2. In line with the first handling to be held this year, there will be 65 training units for men with a quota of 575, and eight training units for women with a quota of 220. Some recent applicants for voluntary recalls have misunderstood that they were not accepted this time, but they are, in fact, still on the list to be matched with the appropriate expertise and rank at a later point. As such, the MND has already contacted the relevant applicants and explained that will match those who have signed up based on expertise and rank to the authorized training unit in due course. 3. Male and female reserves who volunteer for call-up training will follow the current training mode. They will report to the training, be organized, be given training in tactical positions, and will be provided with related courses such as professional expertise, marching, camping, shooting training, and combat drills to ensure effective combat skills training.

In response to media reports about the "schooling arrangement of draftees" and "substitution service", the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has clarified today (13th) as follows: 1. The adjustment of the compulsory military service period is a major policy of the country. To enable draftees to fulfill their national obligations while undertaking studies and taking career planning into account, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is currently discussing flexible schooling arrangements of draftees with various colleges and universities. The MND will, after the MOE has finalized the relevant support packages, continue to work with the MOE to ensure appropriate measures are in place.　 2. For quite some time, the MND and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) have maintained close connections on issues such as the adjustment of the service period and revisions of body classification standards. The MOI stated that draftees born after 2005 must, aside from those who have met the body classification requirements for substitution service, comply with two categories, family and religion, if they are to fulfill substitution service. 3. In view of adjusting each and every supporting measure to render the compulsory service period complete, the MND will maintain contact with the relevant ministries and committees to implement and promote the policy to ensure the wellbeing and security of our nationals.