TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A recent social media post from the American Institute in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Branch Office about preparing go bags for natural disasters has spurred some discussion.
On June 11, AIT Kaohsiung published a Facebook post featuring the mascot Amigu with an emergency bag, listing essentials such as drinking water, snacks, a first aid kit, clothing, a flashlight, and a phone charger, per CNA. “Make sure to pack your own Go Bag and be ready for anything! Stay safe, everyone!” the post read. The post received 600 comments.
A US State Department spokesperson told CNA that Taiwan is prone to natural disasters. The spokesperson added that the US supports Taiwan’s efforts to build whole-of-society resilience, including encouraging individual preparedness for earthquakes and typhoons.
Former AIT Director Brent Christensen also said the post should not be seen as a significant development. He told CNA it reiterated longstanding advice for US citizens overseas to stay prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters, political unrest, or other serious threats.
Regarding social media policy, Christensen said overseas missions like AIT have discretion in their messaging as long as it follows current US government guidelines. He added that formal policy statements are typically issued by the State Department and require extensive internal review.
In 2023, the Ministry of National Defense released its latest All-Out Defense Contingency Handbook, urging the public to prepare personal emergency kits. It said these bags are intended to be taken quickly in wartime for temporary evacuations, such as to air raid shelters, and should contain essentials for survival.
Examples of recommended contents include copies of important documents, non-perishable food, medication for chronic illnesses, thermal items, basic survival tools, and a radio.
