Taiwan Publishes First Civil Defense Manual for Wartime Survival... Preparing for Chinese Military Threats

by Lee Hyunwoo

Published 12 Apr.2022 14:47(KST)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Taiwanese government has published a civil defense manual for the first time, assuming a wartime scenario to guide civilians on evacuation and survival. Concerns about the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan have increased following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading to a rise in voluntary disaster preparedness training among Taiwanese citizens.

On the 12th, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced the publication of the civil defense manual aimed at civilian survival during wartime. The manual reportedly provides detailed instructions on securing emergency water and food supplies, locating shelters, and preparing first aid kits. This publication is seen as a response to growing security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the potential threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Earlier, the Taiwanese government revealed plans to reform reserve forces training and is also considering extending mandatory military service by more than four months. The United States is actively working to deter Chinese provocations in the Taiwan Strait by increasing sales of advanced weaponry to Taiwan, including the Patriot missile defense system.

It is also reported that Taiwanese citizens are voluntarily engaging in disaster preparedness training. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, recently in the Da’an Park area of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, citizens have formed communities to practice first aid, self-defense, military training, and even firearms training.

The Guardian further reported that the role of volunteer militias has grown significantly during Russia’s war of invasion in Ukraine, which has increased demand for civilian defense training within Taiwan. Communities voluntarily conducting first aid and military training have reportedly increased more than tenfold recently compared to before.