In Taipei, Taiwan, a missile has struck the capital, causing devastation in an otherwise tranquil park.
Just moments prior, pedestrians were leisurely strolling along paved streets flanked by brick and stone buildings, featuring slanted, tiled roofs characteristic of this hilly locale.
Now, torn limbs litter blood-soaked cobblestones, while the wounded and dying lie writhing in agony, calling out for aid.
Soon, shaken first responders rush to assist, identifying the most severely injured, stemming bleeding, and evacuating people to safety.
Though resembling a scene from a warzone, this is a simulation, meticulously organized by a civil defense group called Kuma Academy in late January.
The eight-hour drill involved training participants to respond to air defense alarms, utilize terrain for cover, and evade detection by enemy forces.
One hundred and twenty individuals, all equipped with basic first aid and disaster response training, took part.
One participant expressed joining to grasp the realities of potential disasters or wartime scenarios, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.
Kuma Academy, experiencing rapid growth, offers a broad spectrum of courses covering topics from cyberattacks to CPR.
This surge mirrors a broader grassroots movement across Taiwan, with civilians flocking to civil defense groups for training.
Training methods vary, from large-scale exercises to intimate local gatherings focused on physical readiness and virtual defense tactics.
The surge in civil defense preparations is driven by concerns over China, particularly since President Xi Jinping hinted at using force to reunify Taiwan with the mainland.
Surveys indicate a significant majority of Taiwanese perceive Beijing’s power as a major threat, with fears heightened by recent military drills near Taiwan’s waters and airspace.
Reports suggest Chinese President Xi has directed the military to prepare for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027.
Kuma Academy co-founder Ho shares the widespread concern among Taiwanese civilians, underscoring the need for proactive preparedness.
However, not all in Taiwan embrace the proliferation of civil defense groups. Some fear escalating tensions with China, while others criticize the government for insufficiently bolstering the existing civil defense infrastructure.
