Taiwan Officials Address Disputes Over Security Handbook Distribution

TaiwanPlus News

​As Taiwan distributes its civil defense handbooks, critics warn it could heighten public concerns over cross-strait tensions. But officials defend the move.

Transcript

00:00Taiwan has been giving out this updated civil defense handbook.

00:11Wrote out in September, it's meant to help people in Taiwan prepare for emergencies

00:15and understand the potential risks of a Chinese attack.

00:18But now, the move has strong criticism,

00:21especially at a time of rising tensions between Taiwan and China.

00:30The Defense Ministry responded to the criticism during a legislative session on Monday,

00:36saying future revisions would take comments and concerns into account.

00:40But officials also emphasized the importance of preparing for the possibility

00:44of an attack from a powerful adversary, China.

01:00Some Taiwanese officials have also been passing out handbooks in person.

01:05The Deputy Secretary General of Taiwan's National Security Council gave out copies on Friday.

01:11He called China's government a troublemaker

01:13and said the book could help boost Taiwan's ability to protect itself.

01:18But residents have had mixed reactions.

01:32Some believe this is the right move.

01:34While others say the book serves more for political purposes.

01:55Distribution to nearly 10 million mailboxes across the country is ongoing.

02:14In the meantime, the Defense Ministry says the handbook is accessible online,

02:19and that versions in English and other languages will be available soon.

02:23Fu Hua Hong and Alan Lu for Taiwan Plus.

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