Taiwan launched a new civil defense manual today, shedding light on the significance of a robust civilian reaction in the event of a potential Chinese incursion. The handbook, released by the All-out Defense Mobilization Agency, includes guidelines and prompts to assist residents in preparing for emergencies like military invasions or natural disasters on the earthquake-prone island.
Shen Wei-chih, the director of the All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency, stated to the Associated Press that additional information needed to be incorporated since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The updated National Defense Handbook focuses on boosting public crisis awareness and self-defense capabilities.
China lays claim to Taiwan, a self-governing island near its shores, as part of Beijing’s sovereign territory, leading to escalating tensions and a halt in official communications between the two governments.
Heightened Chinese military drills targeting Taiwan have raised concerns about a potential invasion or a simulated blockade. Chinese Coast Guard patrols have also intensified due to longstanding claims over the island.
Daily deployments of aircraft and naval vessels towards Taiwan have become routine. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that the People’s Liberation Army dispatched 24 fighter jets, drones, support aircraft, 11 navy vessels, and six other ships to the island between Monday and Tuesday.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party is increasingly emphasizing the public’s role in defending against military threats. In July, he underscored the importance of uniting the people to safeguard national sovereignty.
The 36-page handbook outlines evacuation bag essentials, crisis strategies, and details on distinguishing between different emergency signals like air raid and tsunami warnings. The military section highlights potential threats such as hostile actors conducting live-fire exercises near Taiwan or imposing no-fly zones under the guise of military drills.
An online version of the handbook offers links to emergency shelter apps and instructional videos. Recommendations include having essential supplies like water, sleeping bags, and raincoats ready for evacuation, along with storing a week’s worth of necessities such as canned food, toilet paper, and pet supplies.
Colonel Chiao Fu-chun, a Defense Ministry spokesperson, noted that the new handbook, inspired by French and Norwegian approaches, has been simplified for better user understanding through straightforward text and images.
Taiwan’s government’s initiatives reflect a growing recognition in the country of the vital role civilians must play in response to potential threats. Taiwanese civil society, including Puma Shen of Kuma Academy, has taken proactive steps, offering civil defense courses supported by businessman Robert Tsao’s generous donation to aid in preparedness.
