TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) announced on Tuesday (July 1) that recently passed amendments to military compensation laws will require an additional NT$30 billion (approximately US$1.03 billion) in annual personnel expenditure. The announcement follows the Legislative Yuan's (立法院, Taiwan's parliament) passage of amendments to the Pay Act of the Armed Forces on June 10, which were formally promulgated by the Office of the President (總統府) on June 27.
The ministry will implement these changes in accordance with legal procedures and Executive Yuan directives, Lu Hsing-ting (盧星廷) from the MND's Department of Resource Planning explained during Tuesday's press briefing. According to Major General Kao Chih-hsiung (高志雄), also from the Department of Resource Planning, the revised law will increase monthly allowances for volunteer servicepersons from the current range of NT$13,000-NT$15,000 (approximately US$445-US$513) to NT$30,000 (approximately US$1,027). For conscripted personnel, total monthly compensation must now meet or exceed Taiwan's minimum wage as defined under the Minimum Wage Act.
Lieutenant General Sun Li-fang (孫立方), the MND's spokesperson and director of the ministry's political affairs office, highlighted that the government has already implemented some pay increases for volunteer servicepersons and combat units. The government will roll out boarding privilege measures in July, with additional benefits planned for the future, Sun continued. These efforts, according to the spokesperson, demonstrate the government's respect for military personnel and recognition of their important role in national defense. Sun also noted that recruitment and retention figures have improved compared to last year.
The amendments represent one of several recent initiatives to enhance military compensation as Taiwan continues to modernize its defense forces. Defense ministry officials confirmed they are working with the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) to finalize the implementation details and include the new expenditures in upcoming budget plans. Military analysts have observed that improving compensation is a key component of Taiwan's broader efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities and address personnel challenges in an increasingly complex security environment. ◼