Taiwan Civil Defense Awareness March: Strengthening National Unity Amid China Threat
A nine-day relay march across Taiwan is raising awareness about civil defense and national unity, as Taiwanese citizens face growing concerns over China’s military threats. The march, which started on Monday in Tainan, is organized by the Kuma Civil Defense Education Association, a prominent NGO co-founded by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Puma Shen. The event seeks to highlight the importance of preparing for civil defense while reinforcing Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence.
The March for Civil Defense and Sovereignty
The journey began in Kaohsiung and is expected to cover a distance of 380 kilometers, spanning 13 cities and counties from the southern to northern parts of Taiwan. Participants, including more than 50 groups of activists, are calling for increased awareness of the civil defense needs of Taiwan, especially in the face of potential threats from Beijing. As the march progresses, the slogan “Prepare for civil defense, protect Taiwan!” is chanted along various stages, spreading a strong message of resilience and preparedness.
The event’s core mission is to highlight Taiwan’s sovereignty and to cultivate a “pre-war mentality” for civilians, with an emphasis on self-defense capabilities. The Kuma Civil Defense Education Association, also known as the “Black Bear Academy” or Kuma Academy, was established in 2021 to foster a collective readiness among Taiwan’s citizens.
Route of the March: A Symbol of National Unity
The march follows Provincial Highway 1, which runs along the western side of Taiwan, passing through key train stations that serve as relay points. Activists from across Taiwan are participating in various stages of the march, which is designed to symbolize a unified stand for the protection of Taiwan. The final destination will be at Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei, where it is expected that around 1,000 people will gather to mark the completion of the journey on Sunday.
The march is being supported by a wide range of civil society groups, with many participants hoping to send a clear message that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent nation, and that the citizens are ready to defend their homeland if necessary.
Challenges and Threats from Beijing
The Kuma Civil Defense Education Association has faced significant opposition from Beijing, which views the group’s efforts as a direct challenge to China’s claim over Taiwan. In recent years, Beijing has conducted large-scale air and naval exercises as part of its apparent preparation for potential military action. Additionally, China has threatened individuals associated with the Kuma Academy, and in October, the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office labeled the NGO as a “die-hard Taiwan independence separatist” organization.
The group’s co-founder, Puma Shen, along with major financiers such as businessman Robert Tsao, has been denounced by China as “die-hard Taiwan independence separatists.” These individuals face severe legal consequences in China, with some threats including potential death sentences based on recent court guidelines published by Chinese authorities.
The Importance of Civil Defense Education
As Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from China, the need for robust civil defense education has become a central theme for local activists. The Kuma Civil Defense Education Association aims to prepare Taiwanese citizens not just physically but mentally for potential crises. The association believes that cultivating a strong self-defense mentality is crucial for ensuring Taiwan’s future, especially in a time when global geopolitical tensions are at their peak.
Table: Key Facts about the “Stand Up as Taiwan” March
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Location | Tainan, Taiwan |
| End Location | Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Taipei |
| Distance Covered | 380 kilometers |
| Number of Participants | Over 50 groups of activists |
| Date of Final Gathering | Sunday, at Huashan 1914 Creative Park |
| Primary Goal | Promote civil defense awareness and national unity |
| Organizer | Kuma Civil Defense Education Association (Black Bear Academy) |
| Route | Provincial Highway 1, passing through 13 cities and counties |
| Key Message | Taiwan’s sovereignty and the importance of self-defense |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the purpose of the “Stand Up as Taiwan” march?
- The march aims to raise awareness about civil defense and promote national unity among Taiwanese citizens. It also advocates for the sovereignty and independence of Taiwan, especially in the face of increasing threats from China.
- How long is the march, and where will it go?
- The march spans nine days, covering a distance of 380 kilometers across 13 cities and counties. It starts in Kaohsiung and ends in Taipei at Huashan 1914 Creative Park.
- Who organized the march?
- The event is organized by the Kuma Civil Defense Education Association, an NGO dedicated to educating the public on civil defense and fostering self-defense readiness.
- How many people are expected to participate?
- Approximately 1,000 people are expected to gather at the final stop in Taipei.
- What kind of threats does the Kuma Civil Defense Education Association face?
- The association and its leaders have been labeled as “die-hard Taiwan independence separatists” by China, which has issued threats against them. China has conducted military exercises as part of its strategy toward Taiwan.
Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Readiness
The “Stand Up as Taiwan” march serves as both a symbol of resistance and a call for greater preparedness in the face of external threats. The Kuma Civil Defense Education Association is rallying Taiwan’s citizens to take an active role in safeguarding the nation’s future through civil defense and self-reliance. As the march heads northward, it continues to inspire many to join the fight for Taiwan’s independence and security.
For further updates on Taiwan’s civil defense efforts and related events, visit CialisWeb.tw.
