Printing and Distribution of “Passive Defense” Handbook in Taiwan
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has published an updated version of its civil defense handbook for residents of the island. The ministry emphasized that the release is not intended to provoke fear but to prepare citizens for potential crises, including a possible Chinese attack, according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Reuters via Mehr News Agency.
In response to increased Chinese military activity and large-scale exercises around Taiwan over the past five years, the self-governing island has been enhancing its defense readiness. The new handbook, reviewed by Reuters, outlines various scenarios taiwan may face-from natural disasters like tsunamis to full-scale invasions-and marks the third edition since its initial release in 2022.
Shen Wei-Chi, director of Taiwan’s all-Out Defense Mobilization Agency, told a press conference that an initial print run of 5,000 copies will be distributed alongside a downloadable digital version. An english edition is also available.
“Why publish this handbook during peacetime? We are not trying to cause panic,” Shen said. “We want people to be prepared because when a crisis hits, you may lose your composure.”
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification.In contrast, Taiwan strongly opposes this claim and insists that only the island’s people have the right to determine their future.
The United States stands as Taiwan’s most critically important international supporter and arms supplier but does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei. China consistently identifies Taiwan as its most critical and sensitive issue in relations with Washington.
