TAIPEI (TVBS News) – Taiwan's military has confirmed that the soldier surnamed Chen from Kinmen Defense Command (KDC), who left his post on March 9, is now in China.
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Tai-san (邱太三) said Monday (March 13) at the Legislative Yuan that the allegation of desertion will be determined by the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
The MND has not yet confirmed whether Chen's departure was a desertion.
The military explained that if a serviceman is absent from duty for more than six days without a valid reason, the unit must issue an "absentee notice" and actively contact family members to urge the soldier to return.
If the soldier is still absent after 24 hours, the unit must contact the military police and request help with the search. The soldier can be persuaded to return if found but not forcefully brought back to avoid violating criminal laws.
Without a valid reason, he may be charged with "short-term absence from duty" and subject to arrest and detention for up to three years or fined up to NT$300,000.
If he intentionally deserted his post, he may be charged with "long-term desertion" and face up to five years in prison under Article 39, Section 1 of the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces (陸海空軍刑法).
Suppose he was found to have taken military weapons, ammunition, or other supplies for combat purposes with him when he left. In that case, he may face up to seven years in prison, according to regulations.