Taiwan’s opposition-led legislature passed amendments to the armed forces pay act on Tuesday, approving a significant pay increase for military personnel to address recruitment challenges amid heightened tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to assert control.
The amendments, proposed by the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party, grant volunteer service members an additional monthly allowance of NT$30,000 ($1,000), a figure not previously specified in the law. This follows pay raises announced by President Lai Ching-te in March.
The KMT stated that the armed forces face evolving operational demands, with increased training and unit duties necessitating higher allowances. The amendments aim to enhance recruitment and retain skilled personnel by offering substantial pay incentives and introducing an adjustment mechanism.
Additional measures include setting conscript pay at or above the minimum wage, providing extra compensation for combat units, and introducing overtime pay.
Premier Cho Jung-tai of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party announced that the government would contest the amendments, citing a lack of consultation with the cabinet as required by the budget act
