When Taiwan was under martial law and fear of a Chinese attack was a part of daily life, these bunkers were a common sight. Now, they’re a popular Instagram backdrop
The threat from China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own to be brought under Beijing's rule by force if needed, has not gone away but the ageing bunkers are no longer needed for defence purposes.A person waits to watch the sunset at a former military observation post in Leidishan Natural Park, Kaohsiung.
"I find it very bizarre - across Taiwan there are numerous bunkers, a mark of war, but if you ask residents what is it, when was it built and for what purpose, no one knows now," said Chen Kuo-ming, 49, a military site enthusiast who has been searching and mapping the old bunkers since 2002.A former air-raid shelter built by the Japanese army during World War II stands close to Tainan airport.
"I remember seeing slogans such as 'kill the communists' and 'reclaim the mainland' on the pillboxes. But this is the only one left; the rest have been removed by other farmers," Ding added, pointing to the one remaining in his clam farm.Lin Zi-Xing's shadow is cast onto the wall of a former bunker in Hsinchu.
Recalling how he used to try and sneak into the bunkers as a child to play, Lin said it would be a shame to lose this part of Taiwan's history.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taiwan leader gets election boost from unlikely place: ChinaTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A year ago, Taiwan's leader was on the ropes. Then she got a boost from an unexpected corner: Chinese President Xi Jinping. Polls indicate that President Tsai Ing-wen...
Read more »
Taiwan to vote in shadow of China pressure, Hong Kong protestsTaiwan votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts ...
Read more »
Trump's Iran Conflict Has Americans Shopping for BunkersAmerica seems to be on the lookout for the best bunkers, just in case.
Read more »
Op-Ed: Will Taiwanese voters choose closer ties with China over democratic freedoms?Can any Taiwanese leader preserve the island's democracy and freedom while maintaining a close economic relationship with China?
Read more »