Living Under The Threat Of Chinese InvasionーNhk World-Japan News

The possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan has captured the world's attention. In the next two days, we will explore the effects this looming threat has had on the people of Taiwan. Today, we turn to the northern city of New Taipei, where our co-anchor, Takuma Yoshioka, is on the ground to give us a glimpse into the mood of the Taiwanese people.

The Unspoken Fear

At first glance, you wouldn't sense the air of war hanging over Taiwan. People go about their daily lives, seemingly unaffected by the impending threat. However, there are pockets of action and preparation. One such place is a target shooting range that opened last September. While some visit for the sheer fun of it, an increasing number of individuals are coming to learn how to handle a weapon to protect themselves.

Using BB and airsoft guns, visitors can practice without firing live rounds. For those seeking a deeper understanding, a former soldier provides detailed lectures. One visitor, a woman, expressed her motivation to learn basic self-defense: "Even if women won't be sent to the frontlines, we need to have some basic knowledge in order to protect ourselves. There may come a time when there won't be anyone else around to protect me."

Empowering the People

It's not just men who feel a sense of urgency; women, too, are taking matters into their own hands. When asked if the shooting range is attracting more people now than when it first opened, the facility's operator revealed that about 200 people per month go through training. They also visit high schools and universities to provide shooting training, ensuring that the younger generation is equipped with the necessary skills.

But target shooting is not the only action being taken. In bustling Taipei, one of Asia's most vibrant cities, an app has been developed to locate air raid shelters in the event of an emergency, such as a missile attack. With over 100,000 designated shelters across Taiwan, the entire population can be covered. These shelters, located in public facilities and buildings over five stories, serve as a lifeline for the people.

Preparedness Challenges

However, visiting these shelters reveals a sobering reality. While they may provide physical protection, many lack essential supplies and infrastructure. Liu Fu Young, a community leader responsible for a shelter located beneath a school in central Taipei, expressed concerns about the lack of provisions and generators. Without proper planning and stockpiling, it remains unclear if people could actually stay in these shelters for an extended period.

Despite these challenges, the Taiwanese government conducts annual drills to prepare citizens for evacuation. Last year's drill was a full-scale exercise, with police officers even stopping cars to ensure active participation. While some remain less alarmed about the possibility of a Chinese strike, others acknowledge that if it were to happen, their lives would never be the same again.

Embracing Preparedness

The growing sense of urgency has led to a surge in survival classes across Taiwan. Ordinary Taiwanese citizens are enrolling in courses to equip themselves with emergency first aid skills and knowledge essential for survival in the face of an invasion. These courses, organized by security specialists, are in high demand, with slots filling up within minutes of going on sale.

The instructor of one such course highlights the potential invasion routes China could take, emphasizing the importance of being prepared. The highest-risk areas are sandy beaches with easy terrain and few reefs, making them likely landing points for enemy forces. By teaching people how to protect themselves and avoid panic during an invasion, these courses aim to empower individuals and instill a sense of resilience.

The Changing Landscape

The growing number of participants includes women, immigrants from Hong Kong, and concerned parents. One mother, a doctor, signed up for a survival class after witnessing the separation of Ukrainian families on the news. The tension between China and Taiwan has made her realize the importance of being prepared to safeguard her own family.

Taiwanese society, as a whole, is gradually awakening to the potential crisis. Organizations like WeSail have launched seminars to increase awareness and preparedness. However, with the Taiwanese economy heavily reliant on the Chinese market, reducing dependence on China is a complex challenge. Companies are seeking to diversify their investments by shifting focus to Southeast Asian nations, but the ties between Taiwan and China remain deeply intertwined.

United in Defense

The administration of President Tsai Ing-wen has called for unity in the face of a contingency, emphasizing that every citizen, not just the military, must be prepared to defend Taiwan's autonomy. However, as a defense expert points out, Taiwanese society has yet to fully grasp the reality of a war. The sense of urgency and preparedness varies among individuals, but only by uniting against invasion can Taiwan's military and government effectively resist aggression.

While some U.S officials believe that China could invade sooner than expected, the exact timeline remains uncertain. As our co-anchor, Takuma Yoshioka, rightly points out, preparations will never be perfect, and taking action against the unknown is challenging. The people of Taiwan continue to grapple with deep concern and uncertainty, knowing that the future holds both risks and possibilities.

In tomorrow's segment, we will delve into Taiwan's defense strategy, examining how the nation is preparing itself for the potential conflict. Stay tuned as we explore the resilience and determination of the Taiwanese people in the face of adversity.