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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Taiwan Civilian War Prep TV
HEADLINE: Amid China Tensions, Taiwanese Seek First Aid, Military Training
TEASER: Most do not see war happening soon but still want to be prepared
PUBLISHED AT:
BYLINE: William Gallo
CONTRIBUTOR: VOA Mandarin Service, Joyce Huang
DATELINE: TAIPEI, TAIWAN
VIDEOGRAPHER: VOA Mandarin Service, Joy Chang
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Steve Hirsch, Mary Mooney
VIDEO SOURCES: VOA, VOA Mandarin Service
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:25
VID APPROVED BY: KE
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE: ))
((Editors: this can also work as a radio piece))
((INTRO)) [[As China continues to surround Taiwan with provocative military exercises, Taiwanese citizens are largely staying calm. Some residents, though, are taking steps to prepare in case of war, as VOA’s Bill Gallo reports from Taiwan’s capital...]]
((NARRATOR))
These Taipei residents are preparing for the unthinkable – learning how to apply bandages and pack wounds at this civil defense training.
Most Taiwanese do not think war will break out anytime soon, but a growing number are preparing in case it does.
((Paul Hsu, Taipei Resident, male, English))
“I learned how to stop bleeding and I learned how to help people and help myself.”
((Jean Hong, Taipei Resident, English, female))
“With the situation in Taiwan at the moment, I think that sense of being ready, you know just the awareness of being ready, I think it’s important.”
((NARRATOR))
Taiwanese have dealt with China's threats for decades. Despite that familiarity, some say the current situation is more urgent than ever.
((Enoch Wu, Founder of Forward Alliance)) ((Male, English))
“We democratized close to 30 years ago. And so right now this is our best way to protect our hard-earned democracy while maintaining the peace. That's our ultimate goal, to maintain peace while protecting our hard-earned way of life.”
((NARRATOR))
Enoch Wu founded Forward Alliance – the NGO running this first aid workshop.
((Enoch Wu, Founder of Forward Alliance, Male, English))
“In deterring conflict, it’s just as important to have a citizenship, citizenry that's prepared as it is to have a military that is capable and credible. And so what we're doing here is we're answering the question, what can each of us do more to help our community and our country?”
((Credit VOA Mandarin Service))
Others are taking a more military-focused approach. This course in Taipei prepares civilians for urban warfare.
((Credit VOA Mandarin Service))
((Arthur Chang, Training Participant, Mandarin, male))
“No one wants war. But if a war breaks out, you have to get up and fight in order to protect those you love or things and values you care about.”
((NARRATOR))
Many Taiwanese already have military experience, though not much. Currently, Taiwanese men are required to do just four months of basic training. More civilian training is needed for Taiwan’s national security…
…says former top military officer Lee Hsi-min.
((Lee Hsi-min, Former Chief of General Staff, Taiwan Armed Forces)) ((English, male))
“So many youngsters, they hate China, they want to protect themselves, but they don't want to stay in the military.”
((NARRATOR))
Lee proposes a volunteer “defense force” to train Taiwanese to defend their own families and homes. It may catch on. A growing number of Taiwanese say they’d fight to defend their country.
Others simply want to be prepared to help their neighbors in case a war that they don’t want breaks out.
((Bill Gallo. VOA News. Taipei, Taiwan.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Taipei
BylineWilliam Gallo
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
