STORY: In the face of Chinese threats, Taiwan extends conscription. Because of the increasing threat from China, military service will be extended to a year of four months and training will be intensified, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday. “I have to admit that this is an incredibly difficult decision, but as President, as Commander-in-Chief, to protect national security and safeguard the national interest, enable Taiwan to survive and enable the people to live free and democratic lives for generations to come, is an unavoidable responsibility of mine as President.” The current military system, including reservist training, is inefficient and inadequate to deal with China’s growing military threat, Tsai said. Conscripts now received more intensive training, including gunnery and combat drills similar to those used by US forces. Taiwan wants peace but needs to be able to defend itself, the president said. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province. Tensions in the conflict had escalated in recent monthsii. Taiwan has repeatedly reported border violations by the Chinese Air Force and Navy.