TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kuma Academy opened a new base in Changhua’s Erlin Township on Sunday (Aug. 31) to educate Taiwanese on emergency response and combat preparedness in case of a cross-strait conflict.

The branch is led by Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers Chen Su-yueh (陳素月) as the convener and Hung Tsung-yi (陳秀寳) as the executive director, CNA reported. Its course is limited to 200 participants and covers basic military tactics, information warfare, emergency rescue, and evacuation planning. Students will also learn information such as utilizing public facilities.

In a speech, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), who was at the opening ceremony, emphasized President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) vision of a society-wide defense concept. She said the goal is to empower people to protect themselves in the face of natural disasters or geopolitical challenges.

Hsiao pointed out that conflicts like World War II and recent events in Europe and the Middle East remind everyone of the importance of self-defense. Kuma Academy's curriculum prepares Taiwanese for threats and challenges, making them more resilient.

She added that the course fosters greater unity in society to withstand challenges and attempts at division.

The Kuma Academy has held multiple training sessions since its inception in 2021. Its co-founder Marco Ho (何澄輝) previously said a conflict between Taiwan and China would involve multi-faceted strategies and advanced capabilities, including maritime and aerial operations, to gain control of the regional airspace and waters.