Taiwan issues 'crisis' guide on preparing for disasters, Chinese attack

Taipei resident Jay Tsai hopes he never has to rely on the crisis guide Taiwan’s government is distributing to millions of households across the island. The guide aims to raise public awareness of potential threats ranging from natural disasters to the looming possibility of a Chinese military invasion. This week, the government started slipping the bright orange booklet under doors and into mailboxes. While some people find it reassuring, others criticize the effort, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money. The 32-page booklet, titled "In Case of Crisis," offers practical advice on preparing a go-bag, responding to air-raid sirens, and basic first aid. It also cautions readers about disinformation campaigns, warning that hostile foreign forces might spread false information to weaken the public’s will to defend Taiwan. The guide firmly states that in case of an invasion, any claims of government surrender or defeat are false. This printed version marks the first time the government has produced a physical emergency guide after previously relying on online publications. Defence Minister Wellington Koo explained that a printed copy ensures access for rural elderly residents and those without digital tools. This move is part of President Lai Ching-te’s broader effort to prepare Taiwan’s 23 million people for disasters or conflict scenarios. Community leaders seem divided. Chi Chien-han, a 43-year-old local leader, found the guide helpful as a reminder to stay alert rather than ignore potential threats. But not everyone agrees. IT worker Yang Chen-che dismissed the booklet as more political than practical, saying he’d probably toss it since he can find the info online. Meanwhile, Chiang Chu-hsuan, another community leader, criticized the guide as a needless expense and urged Lai to work harder to avoid war. The defense ministry said it looked at similar publications from countries like Sweden and France when creating this guide. Lin Fei-fan, deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council, called the booklet a sign of Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense. However, opposition legislator Yeh Yuan-chih from the Kuomintang party questioned the NT$60 million (around $1.9 million) spent on printing and distribution, asking if it was really necessary. The government plans to finish delivering the guides to almost 10 million households by early January. For some, like 32-year-old resident Ruru Liu, the guide hits home after watching recent conflicts abroad, like in Ukraine. Liu said, "In the past, war didn’t feel that close to us. But now, I think this might help people, at least a bit." Overall, the guide is seen by the government as a practical step to foster preparedness among Taiwan’s citizens, despite mixed reactions on its usefulness and cost. It reflects a growing sense of urgency in readiness as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to simmer.