TAIPEI: Taiwan’s defense ministry on Tuesday launched its newly updated civil defense handbook, saying the aim is not to cause panic but to get people prepared in case there is a crisis like an attack by China, which views the island as its own territory.
Democratically-governed Taiwan has stepped up its resilience and defense preparations as China has increased its military activities around the island over the past five years, and has drawn lessons from Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Taiwan’s new handbook, which Reuters reviewed last week, gives a list of scenarios Taiwan might face, from natural disasters like a tsunami to an all-out invasion, and is the third edition after first being published in 2022.
Shen Wei-chih, director at the Taiwan military’s All-out Defense Mobilization Agency, told a news conference at the defense ministry that 5,000 hard copies will be printed for distribution initially, while it can also be downloaded online. There is an English-language version too.
“Why are we releasing this handbook during a time of peace? It is not to create panic, but to tell people you need to make preparations while there is peace, so when crisis happens you won’t know what to do,” he said.
“The earlier you are prepared, the earlier you study (the booklet), the earlier you will be safe.”
Shen said the government wants people to put a copy of the handbook in grab bags containing emergency supplies stored in an easily accessible location.
It also includes instructions on how to listen to the radio in case the Internet goes down, the use of landlines for dedicated government hotlines, and advice on going to police stations or neighborhood government offices to get verified information if radio broadcasts are inaccessible.
In a section on possible disinformation, it warns that “adversaries may also disguise themselves as friendly forces,” showing a cartoon image of a soldier with a Chinese flag and people running away.
Taiwan’s government strongly objects to China’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future. China has rebuffed multiple offers of talks from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, saying he is a “separatist.”
China’s military on Saturday released a new music video aimed at Taiwan called “Plant the flag of victory on Formosa,” showing missiles being fired, marines storming beaches and images of Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building and still a major city landmark.
“We are the vanguard for reunification,” is one of the lyrics.
Taiwan launches new civil defense guide, says not aiming to cause panic
https://arab.news/pcq7q
Taiwan launches new civil defense guide, says not aiming to cause panic
- Taiwan has stepped up its resilience and defense preparations as China has increased its military activities around the island
- Taiwan’s new handbook gives a list of scenarios Taiwan might face, from natural disasters like a tsunami to an all-out invasion
Ramadan lights illuminate London’s heart as mayor calls for unity
- A sign reading ‘Happy Ramadan,’ decorated with stars and crescent moons, will be illuminated from sunrise to sunset
- This year, the Muslim fasting month coincides with Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
LONDON: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has switched on the Ramadan lights as British Muslims prepare to welcome the fasting month this week.
“A beautiful celebration of the holy month and a reminder that our city is a beacon of hope, unity, and inclusivity. A city where diversity is a strength, and where everyone is loved and wanted,” Khan wrote on X.
The heart of London’s West End is now illuminated by 30,000 LED bulbs for the fourth consecutive year, celebrating culture, cuisine, and community during the holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Rahima Aziz BEM, a trustee of the charitable Aziz Foundation, told Arab News that organizing the canopy of lights on Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus, has expanded every year since 2023.
“And what started as just a simple light installation has become something where you can really experience the spirit of Ramadan and what it has to offer,” she said.
For this year’s program, the Aziz Foundation has organized “Shared Lights,” an interfaith art exhibition in the basement of the Zedwell Hotel, featuring 20 artists from across the UK who explore the values central to Ramadan, including love, peace, generosity, and hope.
The charity has also created an interactive digital map of halal and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, allowing visitors to plan their iftar meals from exclusive set menus and locate nearby prayer spaces and evening activities.
“Many young Muslims will choose to have iftar out with their friends and family, in central London. So, we wanted to provide them with more incentive to really spend and boost the local economy, through freebies and special discounts,” Aziz said.
An estimated 4 million British Muslims live across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, with over 1 million living in London alone, according to the 2021 census. London was the first major European city to adorn its central streets with Ramadan lights, which have become part of the city’s calendar alongside Hanukkah and Diwali.
A sign that reads “Happy Ramadan,” decorated with stars and crescent moons, will be illuminated nightly from 5:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., and will then change to “Happy Eid” in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr in March. This year, Ramadan coincides with Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent begins on Feb. 18 and concludes on April 2. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan is expected to start on Feb. 17 and end on March 18.
“Eventually, we’ll get to a time where we’re sharing Ramadan with Christmas, which is just beautiful. Great opportunity for some cross-cultural experiences,” Aziz added.
Ramadan, which follows the lunar Hijri calendar, occurs approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian solar calendar. This year, Muslims in London will fast for between 12 and 14 hours daily. Iftar is held around 5:30 p.m. at the beginning of the month and around 6:30 p.m. as the month approaches the end. However, when Ramadan falls in the summer, the fasting period can last nearly 19 hours, and these hours vary across countries and regions within a country.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the Shahada, a profession of faith, prayer, giving alms, and performing Hajj. Muslims refrain from food, drink, and some activities during daylight for 30 days as a way to reflect on religion, life, and empathize with the poor.
“I grew up in London. I’ve been here most of my life,” Aziz said. “What is really special for me is seeing the curiosity about Ramadan and about Islam increase. Ramadan lights are about making people feel that London is a melting pot of diversity, for everyone.”
