The National Defense Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) is drafted pursuant to Article 137 [MND1]of the Constitution of the Republic of China. Conditions not stipulated under the Act are subject to other relevant laws.

The national defense of the Republic of China is aimed at utilization of comprehensive national power to establish national defense military force, to assist disaster prevention and rescue, safeguard national security and maintain world peace.

The national defense of the Republic of China is of all-out national defense, involving affairs pertaining to military, civil defense, implementation of disaster prevention and rescue, and those in political, society, economic, psychological and technological domains, which may directly or indirectly contribute to the national defense.

The national defense military force of the Republic of China consists of army, navy and air force. In wartime, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) may call up other legalized armed units to participate in the order of battle after the permission is granted by the Executive Yuan.

The Republic of China Army, Navy and Air Force (ROC Armed Forces) shall abide by the Constitution of the Republic of China, swear allegiance to the nation, protect the people, and perform assigned duties in order to ensure national security.

The ROC Armed Forces shall remain neutral from individual, regional and party affiliations in accordance with the Act. Active servicemen are forbidden to undertake the following activities:
1. Assuming positions offered by political parties, political groups and electoral candidates.
2. Forcing active servicemen to join or help political parties, political groups, and electoral candidates.
3. Establishing within military units to promote partisan spheres, party platforms and other propaganda activities.
Any violation in this regard is subject to the MND's disposition by law.