Taiwan has unveiled a revamped civil defense handbook aimed at preparing its citizens for the possibility of a Chinese invasion, reflecting a growing sense of urgency as military tensions in the region intensify. The new guide, launched on September 16, 2025, by the All-out Defense Mobilization Agency, marks a significant step in the island’s ongoing efforts to bolster civilian readiness amid persistent threats from Beijing.
The 36-page handbook, which replaces earlier editions dating back to 2022, is the product of months of consultation and adaptation. According to The Associated Press, the agency’s director, Shen Wei-chih, explained the motivation behind the update: “Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, we have felt that much more information needs to be added. Today’s new edition of the National Defense Handbook is about how to enhance and raise public awareness of crises, as well as strengthen the ability for self-defense.”
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and, in recent years, has sharply escalated its military and diplomatic pressure on the self-ruled island. Official communications between the two governments have ceased, and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has stepped up both the scale and frequency of military exercises targeting Taiwan. In just the 48 hours between Monday and Tuesday of this week, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that the PLA sent 24 fighter jets, drones, and support aircraft toward the island, along with 11 navy vessels and six other Chinese ships. These maneuvers, which now occur on a near-daily basis, have become a constant backdrop for Taiwanese citizens.
The new handbook is designed to be more accessible than its predecessors. Drawing inspiration from similar guides in France and Norway, it uses simple text and images to ensure clarity for people of all ages. Col. Chiao Fu-chun, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told The Associated Press, “We drew on the approaches of France and Norway, and after multiple rounds of discussion and consultation with experts, we completed this handbook. It is expressed through simple text and images, making it easy for people of all ages to understand.”
The guide covers a wide range of crisis scenarios, from military invasions to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. It includes detailed checklists for emergency evacuation bags, outlining essential items like drinking water, sleeping bags, raincoats, and a week’s supply of necessities—canned food, toilet paper, and even pet food. The online version of the handbook provides links to apps that show emergency shelter locations and offers instructional videos for a variety of crisis situations.
One of the most notable features of the new edition is its focus on wartime scenarios. The handbook offers advice on what to do if undersea communication cables—routinely damaged by Chinese vessels—are sabotaged. It also instructs citizens on how to use their smartphones to locate bomb shelters and how to access radio broadcasts if the internet is shut off. Recognizing the psychological toll of such threats, the guide includes sections on managing anxiety, taking care of mental health, and communicating with children during crises.
In the event of an attack, the handbook advises people to head for the nearest basement. If trapped inside a building, they should stay away from exterior walls and windows; if caught outdoors, lying prone is recommended. The guide also explains how to distinguish between air raid and tsunami sirens—a detail that could prove crucial in the chaos of an emergency.
The handbook does not shy away from the modern realities of information warfare. It warns that adversaries may flood the internet with disinformation to damage public morale and destabilize society. Citizens are cautioned that “adversaries may also disguise themselves as friendly forces,” and are explicitly advised not to photograph Taiwanese soldiers, as such images could inadvertently reveal troop positions to enemy forces. A cartoon illustration even depicts a soldier with a Chinese flag as people flee, underscoring the gravity of the threat.
President Lai Ching-te’s government has made civilian preparedness a cornerstone of its defense strategy. The new handbook is just one aspect of a broader push for urban resilience and public participation in national defense. This emphasis was on full display during the 10-day Han Kuang military drills held in July 2025, which tested Taiwan’s readiness and response capabilities across a range of scenarios.
Taiwanese civil society has also mobilized in support of these efforts. Groups like Kuma Academy, backed by a 1 billion New Taiwan Dollars ($32 million) donation from businessman Robert Tsao, have launched civil defense courses to train ordinary citizens. Such initiatives reflect a growing recognition that, in the event of conflict, the resilience and cooperation of the public will be as critical as the actions of the armed forces.
The timing of the handbook’s release is significant. It comes just two days before the opening of the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, the island’s largest defense expo to date. This year’s event will showcase 52 new weapons and systems, including the Strongbow missile and its launcher, as well as advanced kamikaze drones like the ALTIUS 600 and Switchblade 300. On Wednesday, Taiwan’s top military leaders, including the chiefs of staff of all major branches, presented these technologies at a press conference, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening both its military and civilian defenses.
The handbook’s military action section is blunt about the threats Taiwan faces. It warns of “non-friendly actors conducting live-fire drills near Taiwan or unilaterally declaring a no-fly zone under the guise of military exercises.” The inclusion of such scenarios is a stark reminder that the island’s security environment is increasingly unpredictable.
Despite the sobering content, officials have been careful to stress that the handbook is not meant to cause panic. “The earlier you are prepared, the earlier you study [the booklet], the earlier you will be safe,” Shen Wei-chih told reporters. The goal, he emphasized, is to empower citizens with knowledge and practical skills, not to alarm them unnecessarily.
As China’s military pressure shows no signs of abating and the specter of conflict looms ever larger, Taiwan’s approach is clear: preparedness, public engagement, and resilience are now as important as diplomacy or deterrence. By equipping its people with the tools and information they need, the island hopes to ensure that, should the worst happen, its citizens will be ready to respond—together and with resolve.
