Taiwan: the rise of civil defense groups in the face of the Chinese threat
In a context marked by tensions between China and Taiwan, Taiwanese civil defense groups are gaining importance. Unfortunately, part of Taiwanese society seems indifferent to this rise in power and fears that openly preparing for a Chinese invasion could compromise the fragile status quo in place. However, more and more young Taiwanese want the government to become more committed to developing civil defense. This is what we observed during a report in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, where the law prohibits the possession of firearms, airsoft clubs have become a way for civilians to train and acquire military culture. These replica firearms, using small plastic pellets, allow participants to become familiar with the weapons and develop skills that could prove useful in the event of a Chinese invasion. For Bill Huang, a 19-year-old mechanical engineering student, training in airsoft is a way to overcome the shortcomings of Taiwanese military training. He said skills learned at an airsoft range could be useful for civil defense because the replicas work just like real weapons. He is convinced that if one day the government gives him a pistol or a rifle, he will be able to use it to defend his country.
The report allows us to meet Brian, another airsoft enthusiast, who trains with a replica of the American M4 assault rifle. His enthusiasm for the “Camp 66” club is motivated by the desire to prepare in the event of a Chinese invasion. With his military helmet, his scarf hiding his face and his replica firearm slung over his shoulder, Brian reminds us of the importance of training and mastery of firearms, even if it is just replicas. Richard Limon, a former U.S. Marine and shooting instructor at the “Camp 66” range, emphasizes the importance of learning how to handle firearms carefully.
Yet despite this growing desire to prepare for a possible Chinese invasion, much of Taiwan’s population is committed to maintaining the status quo with mainland China. The three candidates competing in the presidential election all share a similar position: neither reunification nor confrontation with China. This political situation is hampering reform ambitions in terms of civil defense.
Followers of civil defense groups deplore that the Chinese threat is often ignored and criticize the government for not sufficiently supporting initiatives aimed at preparing the population for a possible war. They believe that the civil defense system currently in place, mainly focused on the management of natural disasters, is ineffective..
In this tense context, people like Tony Lu, who fought in the Ukrainian International Legion in 2022, are calling on their compatriots to prepare in the event of a Chinese invasion. He said most participants in civil defense activities are frustrated by the Taiwanese government’s lack of response to recent Chinese incursions.
The rise of civil defense groups in Taiwan reflects a growing awareness of the threat posed by China. Despite the reluctance of part of Taiwanese society, more and more young people are actively preparing for the possibility of an invasion. It remains to be seen whether the government will take this desire into account and support these civil defense initiatives in the years to come.