In the face of increasing aggression from China and its vows of reunification, Taiwan is grappling with challenges in strengthening its military readiness. President Lai Ching-te's efforts to enhance defense capabilities through an extension of mandatory military service and revamped reservist training are falling short, raising concerns in both Washington and Taipei.

A Taiwanese television drama titled "Zero Day," set to be released next year, depicts a fictional scenario where China encircles Taiwan, isolating the island democracy from the rest of the world. The show's portrayal of Taiwanese readiness to fight reflects the pressing issue faced by President Lai, whose stance on independence has marked him as a dangerous separatist in the eyes of Beijing.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping's declarations of an inevitable "reunification" with Taiwan and the increasing military presence near the island have escalated tensions. In response, Taiwan's government has sought to strengthen defenses by extending mandatory military service and revamping reservist training. However, young Taiwanese are not heeding the call, while a lack of equipment and instructors have hindered efforts to professionalize reservist training.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo admitted the need for improvement in training, acknowledging that there is still much room to strengthen the armed forces. The slow progress and delayed implementation of the training program for reservists have raised concerns among military experts, who urge authorities to act swiftly to deter any aggression from Beijing.

Taiwan aims to create a professional backup force to support its active-duty soldiers, with all Taiwanese men born in or after 2005 now required to enlist for a year of service. However, only 6 percent of eligible conscripts participated in the newly implemented 12-month program this year, as most deferred military service to pursue higher education. This delay means that the 2005-born cohort will not be fully trained until 2027.

The challenges faced by Taiwan in boosting military readiness have caught the attention of various stakeholders, including the United States. While President Donald Trump's approach to American support for Taiwanese defense remains uncertain, military experts stress the importance of Taiwan demonstrating its commitment to self-defense. They emphasize the urgent need for Taiwan to allocate resources and dedicate its best military officers to recruitment and instruction.

China's formidable military, with its large standing army and burgeoning defense budget, regularly conducts exercises simulating an assault on Taiwan. The United States has a legal obligation to assist Taiwan in strengthening its defenses, including through arms sales. However, its commitment to intervening in the event of a Chinese attack remains ambiguous.

As Taiwan prepares for the possibility of a Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, experts warn of increased scrutiny and demands for greater defense spending. Improved training programs are crucial for Taiwan to signal its seriousness in bolstering military readiness. Nonetheless, ongoing challenges such as funding shortages, lack of instructors, and inadequate equipment continue to hamper progress.

The commitment to national defense and preparedness remains a priority for President Lai, who underscores the need to guard against defeatist attitudes within the military. With the growing threat from Beijing, Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and readiness will be closely watched in the coming months.

In this high-stakes geopolitical landscape, Taiwan must navigate a delicate balance between showcasing its determination to defend itself and managing its relationships with key allies to ensure security and stability in the region.