The new handbook advises Taiwanese civilians on what to do in case of a Chinese military invasion as tensions rise while massive military exercises are directed towards Taiwan
Taiwan has launched a new civil defence handbook today, bringing attention to the importance of a strong civilian response in case of a Chinese invasion. The handbook, issued by All-out Defense Mobilisation Agency, features checklists and questions to help residents plans for crises like military invasions or natural disasters on the earthquake-prone island.
Shen Wei-chih, director of the All-Out Defense Mobilisation Agency told Associated Press: “Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, we have felt that much more information needs to be added. Today’s new edition of the National Defense Handbook is about how to enhance and raise public awareness of crises, as well as strengthen the ability for self-defense.”
China claims Taiwan, a self ruled island off its coast, as part of Beijing’s sovereign territory. Tensions between the two sides has soared in recent years as their governments ceased official communications.
READ MORE: Russia ‘re-educating’ snatched Ukraine children with military combat trainingREAD MORE: Putin’s top TV attack dog threatens death to British RAF pilots sent to Poland
Large scale Chinese military exercises aimed at Taiwan have been ramped up, menacing the possibility of an invasion or simulating a blockade. Chinese Coast Guard patrols have also been increased amid their long standing claims to the island.
Planes and navy ship are sent towards Taiwan daily. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the military of the Chinese Communist Party, sent 24 fighter jets, drones and support aircraft towards the island between Monday and Tuesday as well as 11 navy vessels and six other ships, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said.
Taiwan’s president expects the public to uphold military defence role
Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party is increasingly keen on emphasising the public’s role in defending against military invasion. In July, he said: “Now, our responsibility to unite the people, oppose annexation (by China) and ensure national sovereignty,” speaking in Taiwanese, also known as Hokkien, rather than the main language of government, Mandarin.
The 36-page handbook includes information about what to pack in an evacuation bag and strategies and information for different crisis scenarios like how to differentiate between air raid and tsunami sirens. The military action section warns of threats such as “non-friendly actors conducting live-fire drills near Taiwan or unilaterally declaring a no-fly zone under the guise of military exercises.”
An online version of the handbook also provides links to apps showing emergency shelter locations and videos on emergency situations. Other recommendations include having drinking water, sleeping bags and raincoats prepared for travel and storing a week’s supply necessities such as canned food, toilet paper and pet food.
The advice in the new handbook is similar to previous editions but has been simplified to make it more user friendly, said Col. Chiao Fu-chun, a Defense Ministry spokesperson. “We drew on the approaches of France and Norway, and after multiple rounds of discussion and consultation with experts, we completed this handbook. It is expressed through simple text and images, making it easy for people of all ages to understand,” Chiao said.
The government’s effort is a reflection of a movement in Taiwan recognizing the role that civilians must play in response to a possible invasion. Taiwanese civil society also has been proactive on the issue in recent years. Puma Shen, the founder of Kuma Academy, launched civil defense courses with the backing of businessman Robert Tsao, who donated 1 billion New Taiwan Dollars (£23.4m) to assist with preparations.