Meaning: The quote by Chen Shui-bian, a Taiwanese politician and statesman, highlights two significant proposed changes to the constitution of Taiwan. The first proposed change is to lower the voting age from 20 years to 18 years, and the second is to gradually implement a voluntary military service in replacement of the current compulsory military service. These proposed amendments reflect a shift in the country's approach to civic participation and military service, and they have implications for the rights and responsibilities of young people in Taiwan.

Lowering the voting age from 20 to 18 is a significant move that aligns with the global trend of recognizing the political agency of young adults. By lowering the voting age, the government of Taiwan seeks to empower young citizens and acknowledge their capacity for informed decision-making and civic engagement. This change reflects a growing recognition of the rights of young people to participate in the democratic process and have a say in the governance of their country. It also acknowledges the fact that individuals aged 18 and above are legally considered adults in many jurisdictions and are entitled to various rights and responsibilities.

The proposal to implement a voluntary military service in place of the current compulsory system also reflects a shift in the country's approach to national defense and the role of its citizens in safeguarding the nation. The move towards voluntary military service acknowledges the changing nature of modern warfare and the evolving needs of the armed forces. It also recognizes the importance of individual choice and autonomy in deciding whether to pursue a military career. This change may also reflect a desire to align Taiwan's military policies with those of other democratic nations that have voluntary military service systems.

The proposed changes to the constitution signal a willingness to adapt to the evolving social, political, and security landscape both within Taiwan and globally. By addressing the voting age and military service requirements, the government demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that its laws and institutions remain relevant and responsive to the needs and aspirations of its citizens.

Lowering the voting age to 18 can have a transformative impact on the political landscape of Taiwan. It opens up the electoral process to a larger segment of the population, allowing young adults to have a greater influence on the decisions that affect their lives and the future of the country. By engaging young voters, political parties and candidates may need to pay more attention to issues that are important to this demographic, potentially leading to a more inclusive and representative political system.

In the context of military service, the shift towards a voluntary system can have implications for the composition and readiness of Taiwan's armed forces. By allowing individuals to choose whether to serve in the military, the government may attract a more motivated and skilled pool of recruits. At the same time, it may need to develop strategies to ensure that the armed forces continue to have the necessary manpower and expertise to fulfill their defense obligations.

In conclusion, Chen Shui-bian's quote about proposed changes to the constitution of Taiwan reflects a commitment to adapting the country's laws and institutions to better serve the needs and aspirations of its citizens. The proposed lowering of the voting age and the shift towards voluntary military service signal a recognition of the evolving roles and rights of young people in the political and security spheres. These changes have the potential to shape the future of Taiwan's democracy and defense policies, and they underscore the government's willingness to engage with and respond to the changing dynamics of society and global security.