In a significant display of civil defense awareness and national unity, the Kuma Civil Defense Education Association, also known as Kuma Academy, concluded its 9-day relay march from Kaohsiung to Taipei on Sunday. The march aimed to raise awareness about Taiwan’s defense against potential Chinese threats and foster unity among the Taiwanese people.
More than 50 activist groups participated in the event, which spanned 380 kilometers and took place across 13 cities and counties in Taiwan. The march, dubbed “Stand Up as Taiwan,” was completed in 52 stages, highlighting the collective will of the Taiwanese public to stand together for their sovereignty and national security.
Rally in Taipei Marks the End of the Journey
The final rally was held at Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei, where hundreds of supporters gathered to show their solidarity with Taiwan’s defense efforts. The event included speeches from key figures involved in the march, such as businessman Robert Tsao (曹興誠), who has been a major supporter and financier of the Kuma Academy.
During his address, Tsao emphasized the importance of maintaining Taiwan’s independence, stating, “Taiwan is Taiwan for Taiwanese people. A CCP-led invasion would be a crime against civilization.” He also called out those who identify with China to leave Taiwan and cease their efforts to undermine the nation’s democracy.
Political Leaders Join the Rally
Puma Shen (沈伯洋), co-founder of Kuma Academy and a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), also spoke at the rally. Shen expressed concern over the internal threats posed by pro-China elements within Taiwan, saying, “Many internal traitors want to destroy our democratic system and bring China into Taiwan.” He further reiterated the importance of standing up for Taiwan’s sovereignty in the face of increasing pressure from Beijing.
Kuma Academy’s Mission and Goals
Founded in 2021, Kuma Academy’s mission is to educate the public on civil defense, cultivate a national defense mentality, and promote a self-defense capability among Taiwanese citizens. The academy’s programs focus on preparing civilians mentally and physically for potential conflicts, especially in light of China’s growing assertiveness toward Taiwan.
The recent rally and march symbolize Kuma Academy’s commitment to building a resilient and prepared Taiwan that is capable of defending itself from external threats.
International Attention and Criticism
Earlier this year, both Tsao and Shen were accused by Beijing of being “die-hard Taiwan independence separatists,” a crime punishable by death according to Chinese court guidelines. Despite these threats, the organization continues to advocate for Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence on the global stage.
Conclusion: Strengthening Taiwan’s Defense
The 9-day march has brought attention to the growing concerns over Taiwan’s security and its role in the broader regional security framework. By promoting civil defense education, the Kuma Academy aims to ensure that the people of Taiwan are prepared for any challenges that may arise in the future.
Table: Key Highlights of the “Stand Up as Taiwan” March
| Date | Location | Key Speakers | Distance Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 30 – Dec 6 | Kaohsiung to Taipei | Robert Tsao, Puma Shen | 380 kilometers |
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the “Stand Up as Taiwan” march?
A: The march was organized by the Kuma Civil Defense Education Association to raise awareness about Taiwan’s national defense and promote unity against external threats, especially from China.
Q: Who were the key speakers at the rally?
A: Key figures included Robert Tsao, businessman and financier of Kuma Academy, and Puma Shen, co-founder of the academy and DPP lawmaker.
Q: What is Kuma Academy’s main mission?
A: Kuma Academy focuses on educating Taiwanese citizens about civil defense, self-defense, and the importance of maintaining Taiwan’s sovereignty in the face of potential threats.
