From tour guides to tattooists, some in Taiwan have begun taking shooting lessons for the first time in their lives, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine raises anxiety over the prospect of China’s giant neighbor making a similar move. on the democratic island.
Key points:
- Some in Taiwan fear that China will take advantage of a distracted West by Ukraine
- Taiwan has raised its alert level, but has not reported any unusual military moves by Beijing
- In Taiwan, gun ownership is tightly controlled
China’s growing military pressure on the island, which it claims is its own, combined with the conflict in Ukraine, has spurred debate on how to increase defenses in Taiwan, which is weighing on whether to extend compulsory military service.
Since the war in Ukraine began three months ago, reserves have almost quadrupled for lessons on how to shoot, an official from a Taiwanese combat skills training company said.
“More and more people are coming to participate,” said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light, which is based in a suburb of the capital, Taipei.
Some who came to the shooting range this year had not handled weapons before, he said, adding that the numbers had “tripled or quadrupled” since the start of the Ukraine conflict, which Russia has described as ‘”special military operation”.
Technical journalist Alan Chen poses for a photo during a break in an airsoft gun shooting lesson. (Reuters: Ann Wang)
Some in Taiwan fear that China, which has never ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control, could increase pressure, taking advantage of a West distracted by efforts to support and equip Ukraine in its response to Russia.
Taiwan has raised its alert level, but has not reported any unusual military moves by Beijing.
Among those preparing for a threat from China is Su Chun, a 39-year-old tattoo artist who was determined to learn how to use compressed air guns.
“I wanted to learn some combat skills, including those that aren’t just about using a gun. Maybe skills to be able to react to any kind of situation,” he said.
However, he added, training with weapons would be useful if the government called in reservists like him to repel a Chinese invasion.
“Most people don’t want to go to war. I don’t want to go to war either, but in the unlikely event that this really happens, I’ll be mentally prepared.”
Compressed air pistols used for training
The use of airsoft guns, popular for military simulations, is taught as a competitive sport in Taiwan. (Reuters: Ann Wang)
The use of airsoft guns, popular for military simulations, is taught as a competitive sport in Taiwan, which closely controls gun ownership, but many of the movements and tactics involved resemble combat skills. , from shooting posture to aiming.
The devices use compressed air to carry less dangerous projectiles, such as small plastic balls, sometimes called BB, to their targets.
On a Sunday afternoon at Taipei Shooting Range, dozens of students picked up compressed air guns for the first time as coaches explained safety guidelines and basic details.
There was an “urgent” need to learn more about defensive weapons after the war in Ukraine, said tour guide Chang Yu, who attended the introductory course with his wife.
“The war between Ukraine and Russia has made real the threat on the other side of the strait,” said the 34-year-old, wearing a bullet belt and goggles, referring to the Taiwan-China waterway. China.
“It made us think about how we should prepare if this happens in Taiwan.”
The couple had set up protective equipment at home, from pepper spray to an alarm system for intruders, he added.
In addition to gun training, some Taiwanese politicians have urged the public to start thinking about survival plans at a time when most cities could be without electricity and water for days.
Lin Ping-yu shows off one of his 12 airsoft guns at his home in New Taipei City. (Reuters: Ann Wang)
Lin Ping-yu, the ruling Progressive Democratic Party candidate for a seat on the council, said the Ukrainian war had prompted him to prepare survival kits for his family with food supplies. emergency and batteries, in case of worse.
“Think about how you can help yourself and others survive,” added Lin, author of a book on China’s military threat.
“We face enormous risks: risks of losing our freedom and democracy, of losing everything in our daily lives.”
Reuters