Taiwan Distributes Crisis Guide Amid Threats of Conflict and Disaster

Taiwan’s government has begun distributing a crisis guide to millions of households as preparation for potential disasters, including natural calamities and threats of invasion from China. The initiative involves sliding orange booklets under doors and into mailboxes across the island, aimed at raising public awareness about emergency preparedness.

The 32-page booklet, titled “In Case of Crisis,” provides practical advice on assembling a “go bag,” responding to air-raid sirens, and administering first aid. It also cautions citizens about the risk of disinformation campaigns from “hostile foreign forces” that could undermine national resolve during a military invasion. A notable statement in the guide asserts, “In the event of a military invasion of Taiwan, any claim that the government has surrendered or that the nation has been defeated is false.”

This printed guide marks a shift from previous digital-only publications, making critical information accessible to all residents, including the elderly and those in rural areas. According to Wellington Koo, Taiwan’s Defence Minister, the physical format ensures that essential safety information reaches those who might lack internet access.

Public Reactions and Criticism

The initiative has drawn mixed responses from the public. Jay Tsai, a 31-year-old 3D animation specialist from Taipei, expressed hope he would never need the guide but found comfort in having it on hand. “I’ll put it near my emergency items at home, like the flashlight, just so I know it’s there,” he stated.

Conversely, some residents are less enthusiastic. Yang Chen-che, an IT worker, criticized the guide as political rather than practical, stating he would likely discard it. “You can look up all of this online. I don’t need to keep a paper copy,” he noted. Similarly, community leader Chiang Chu-hsuan dismissed the guide as a “waste of money,” arguing that the government should focus more on diplomacy to prevent conflict.

Despite the criticism, the government is committed to completing distribution of the guides to nearly 10 million households by early January 2024. The estimated cost of the initiative is over NT$60 million (approximately $1.9 million), which has raised questions from opposition lawmakers. Yeh Yuan-chih, a legislator from the main opposition Kuomintang party, challenged Koo in parliament about the necessity of such expenses, emphasizing the need for more constructive measures to ensure peace with China.

Context and Strategic Implications

The campaign is part of President Lai Ching-te’s broader efforts to prepare Taiwan’s population of 23 million for potential crises. With increased tensions in the region, particularly following global events such as the conflict in Ukraine, there is a growing awareness among residents about the realities of security threats. Ruru Liu, a 32-year-old resident, remarked that “in the past, war didn’t feel that close to us,” but recent events have highlighted the importance of being prepared.

The Defence Ministry indicated that Taiwan’s approach was informed by similar preparedness guides from countries like Sweden and France, emphasizing both readiness and resilience in the face of potential aggression. Lin Fei-fan, deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council, affirmed that the booklet reflects Taiwan’s determination to defend itself.

As Taiwan navigates these complex challenges, the distribution of the crisis guide serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining public vigilance and fostering a sense of unity in the face of adversity.