Taiwan revives 'anti-communist' military classes as Chinese threat grows

Taiwan has restored "anti-communist" patriotic education for graduates of its military academies after a gap of more than two decades, saying the move is necessary to prepare future officers for growing security threats from China, Reuters reported.

The decision comes as Taipei reports a sharp increase in Chinese military activity around the island, including a record number of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels operating in nearby waters.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said the revived programme is intended to strengthen military officers' understanding of national security challenges and reinforce their commitment to defend the island.

Classes return after 25 years

In a statement, reported by Reuters, the defence ministry said the "anti-communist patriotic education" programme had been restored for military academy graduates after being discontinued in 2002.

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The ministry said the decision was driven by China's increasing military pressure and what it described as growing attempts at infiltration.

"It is necessary for them to clearly understand national security threats and recognise the military mission of 'why we fight, and for whom we fight'," the ministry said.

The programme will include lectures by officials from several government agencies, including the Mainland Affairs Council, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Justice and Academia Sinica, Taiwan's leading research institution.

According to the ministry, the objective is to help graduates develop a clear understanding of national security risks and distinguish between allies and potential adversaries.

Chinese military activity increases

The announcement comes as Taiwan says it is witnessing an unprecedented level of Chinese military activity around the island.

Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council, said Taiwan was tracking more than 110 Chinese military and coast guard vessels operating along the First Island Chain, stretching from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines to Borneo.

Posting on X, Wu described the deployment as "a clear sign" of China's expanding military ambitions in the region.

On Saturday, China's Coast Guard also launched a new patrol off Taiwan's eastern coast, prompting protests from Taipei, which said Beijing has no authority in those waters.

Long-running tensions continue

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it reserves the right to use force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and insists that only the people of Taiwan can decide the island's future.

Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels now operate near Taiwan almost daily, increasing tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Against this backdrop, Taipei says reinforcing patriotic education has become essential part of its national defence strategy.