Taiwan leader nixes defense minister resignation
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou refused to accept the defense minister's resignation after a 24-year-old army recruit died of heat stroke while being punished for bringing a cellphone on base.
Defense Minister Kao Hao-chu apologized Monday night for the death of Hung Chung-chiu on July 3 and offered to step down. Hung had been forced to perform a vigorous regime of sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks and squats in sweltering heat.
The military has punished 37 officers in connection with the incident, including 15 who face criminal prosecution.
Ma said Tuesday that a resignation by Kao was not justified under the circumstances.
Recruits are banned from bringing camera-equipped cell phones onto Taiwanese military bases for security reasons.
Hung was several days away from completing his 20-month military obligation when he died.
Taiwan is transitioning from a conscripted military force to an all-volunteer army. Its goal of completing the transition by 2015 appears unlikely from initial indications because of continuing difficulties in attracting requisite numbers of recruits.
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