Taiwan calls on Germany to help maintain ‘regional order’

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Germany on Tuesday to help maintain “regional order” during a meeting with senior German lawmakers who are visiting the island on a trip that Beijing has condemned.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has been heartened by support from Western democratic allies in the face of stepped-up Chinese military threats, including war games staged by China near the island in August.
Meeting the lawmakers at the presidential office, Tsai said that in the face of “authoritarian expansionism”, democracies must stand together.
“Starting next year, Taiwan’s mandatory military service will be extended to one year. This will bolster our defence capabilities and demonstrate our determination to defend our homeland and safeguard democracy,” she said, referring to an announcement last month.