Tim Wu, a 70-something retiree from New Taipei City, believes that Taiwan’s growing civil defence focus is counterproductive as the mainland grows ever stronger.
“It will make them angry and lead to something very bad, an attack,” Wu, whose family has lived in Taiwan for three centuries, said of mainland Chinese forces. “We absolutely can unify, and I support it.”
Taipei restaurant worker Meg Chiu, 29, considers civilian preparedness essential – but wants companies and civic groups to lead, not the government.
“I’m worried about an incursion. I think I’ll see it in my lifetime,” she said, adding with a nervous laugh: “But hopefully when I’m 70 or 80 years old.”
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China, to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise self-governing Taiwan as an independent state. But Washington opposes any attempt to take the island militarily.
Still, US President Donald Trump’s mercurial foreign policy and Russia’s 2022 attack on Ukraine have unnerved Taiwan, deepening concern among its 23 million residents that they may need to defend themselves should Beijing accelerate any military timetable.
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Donald Trump declines to say if US would defend Taiwan against mainland China attack
Donald Trump declines to say if US would defend Taiwan against mainland China attack
