Lifeline or trash? Taiwan safety guide sparks fierce debate amid Beijing threat

Taiwan’s updated crisis and war survival guide has ignited fierce political debate, hailed by officials as a lifeline amid Beijing’s mounting military pressure but blasted by critics as costly propaganda prompting fear rather than readiness.

Mass distribution of In Case of Crisis: Taiwan’s National Public Safety Guide – quickly dubbed the “little orange book” – began late last month, targeting 9.83 million households.

The 29-page comic-style publication explains how to stockpile food and water, locate shelters and identify signs of escalating threats to the public, ranging from cyberattacks to a full-scale military assault.

It updates previous guidance by including information on landslide-dammed lakes following recent weather disasters, urging citizens to monitor warnings, heed evacuation orders and work with local authorities.

The foreword now carries Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s signature, a move the defence ministry said added “authority and credibility” and encouraged public trust.

Aside from offering guidance for natural disasters and extreme weather, the guide cites mainland China’s military threat as a direct challenge.