TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Canadian author has updated a digital civil defense handbook for foreign residents in Taiwan that includes advice on contingency plans in the event of a Chinese invasion.
In 2023, John Groot launched an e-book titled “Resilience Roadmap: An Emergency Preparedness Guide for Expats in Taiwan,” which provides an overview of how to create an emergency plan for four types of disasters: typhoons, earthquakes, fires, and war. Groot announced on Mar. 3 that he has made several updates to the guide.
Groot said the fire section now includes information on dealing with toxic smoke. A section on evacuation has been updated to include information utilizing self-rescue devices such as SkySaver.
The author said the radio communications and water purification pages have been expanded. Among these additions is information about a type of portable water purifier called the Lifestraw.
The analysis of factors influencing war in the Taiwan Strait has been updated with newer concepts and information. Groot told Taiwan News the main new concept included is the "quarantine blockade" as a more limited form of blockade that China might use.
In the guide, Groot explains this is “a limited form of blockade that is less overtly military in nature.” In one scenario, the Chinese coast guard and China's Maritime Safety Administration could impose a quarantine on a major port like Kaohsiung, halting all inbound and outbound shipping, possibly under the guise of a law enforcement operation.
Alternatively, China could require all shipping to Taiwan to register online with its coast guard. Groot said responding to this would be challenging, as Taiwan would be reluctant to fire the first shot in an unbalanced conflict.
In addition, the international community might view this as less concerning than a full blockade, as it would not completely disrupt commercial traffic through the Taiwan Strait.
When asked why he made the updates, Groot said he was always planning to update the guide regularly to improve it based on feedback or his insights and to take into account new events and information.
Those wishing to download Groot's guidebook can visit his blog, The Culture Shack.
