TAIPEI
Taiwan’s military is bringing back strict “anti-communist” lessons for its new graduates after a 24-year break. Defense officials announced the decision, pointing to growing pressure and spying threats from neighboring China.
During the Cold War, Taiwan frequently ran intense campaigns warning the public about the dangers of China’s communist government. Taipei paused the formal anti-communist program in 2002, choosing to rename the course “patriotic education.” However, recent activities have forced a change in strategy.
The defense ministry explained that these revived classes are now essential to help young officers understand modern security risks. Leaders want new graduates to fully grasp their core mission and clearly recognize who their enemies are.
To teach these courses, experts from top government offices, legal departments, and national security councils will give lectures to the academy graduates. The main goal is to build a sharp awareness of national defense among the new military leaders. This education update comes at a time of high tension, as China continues to claim Taiwan as its own territory. Beijing has never promised to give up using military force to take control of the self-ruled island.
The security situation remains fragile. Chinese military ships and aircraft now operate near Taiwan almost every single day. Recently, Taiwan’s National Security Council chief, Joseph Wu, reported that officials tracked a record-breaking wave of over 110 Chinese navy and coast guard vessels moving through the region. Wu warned that this massive gathering of ships is a clear sign that China is trying to expand its power across the Pacific.
Tensions grew even further this weekend when the Chinese coast guard started a brand-new patrol route right off Taiwan’s eastern coast. Taiwan’s government quickly condemned the move, stating that Beijing has absolutely no legal right to patrol those waters. Taiwan strongly rejects China’s claims of sovereignty and insists on maintaining its independence.