Taiwan is training up its citizens in combat and defense skills as they prepare for a possible invasion by China, local reports claim.
The classes are being taught by a number of panicked Taiwanese locals, who are fearful that a “worst-case scenario” could rip through their country, in scenes similar to Ukraine’s invasion by Russia.
China and Taiwan endure a torrid relationship, with the former claiming the country, which has declared itself independent of Beijing.
The feud has led many inside Taiwan, which is supported in their independence by Western allies including the US, to believe all-out war between the nations could come to a head as relations continue to deteriorate.
This has been exacerbated in recent months as China carried out two rounds of military drilling and exercises around the self-governed island nation.
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Among them taking the classes is physician Lin Yuh-ting, who told Barron’s she had been attending Kuma Academy’s sessions in Taipei.
She said that “when there’s a possibility of war, I think we should get prepared”, with the 45-year-old mother or two adding: “Being on the frontline isn’t the only way to help.”
The sessions see participants given advice on how to prepare for evacuations, as well as information on finding their nearest air raid shelter, and what to pack when an emergency strikes.
They also look at disinformation and propaganda being issued regarding what an attack by Beijing could look like, calming concerns that more than one thousand missiles would rain down on the nation should China wish to.
It has been described by organizers as building a “first line of psychic defense” against China, with attempts to throw off the panic Beijing is attempting to create.
Each session costs around 1,000 Taiwanese dollars ($33) to visit, and also includes support in carrying out medical training, how to apply tourniquets, and attending to wounds.
Reports say that in order to highlight their points, some of the instructors use imagery from Saving Private Ryan’s Omaha beach landing scene to convey what could happen.
Lin added: “It was very difficult to secure the spot. I think it’s partially because of the Ukrainian war.”
Around 10,000 people have been trained by Kuma since January, 2022.
Classes sell out in minutes, the company says, with Taiwanese residents eager to learn more about defending themselves.
It is part of a wider trend in Taiwan, which has seen thousands of its 23 million-strong population take part in war drills, with the government itself holding air raid practice maneuvers.
Another attendee, account Yu Chiao-ling, said the civilian lessons had seen her take part in a shooting course as she wanted to protect her elderly parents.
She added: “If war happened, I would use a pistol to defend my home. I take care of my parents, who are in their 60s and 70s. I have the responsibility to protect them.
“We need to be well-prepared instead of evading reality.”
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