More in Taiwan seek gun training as Ukraine war drives home China threat

A trainee aims his airsoft gun during a break at an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Trainees practice target shooting with their airsoft guns during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Personal trainer, Chris Chen, prepares his airsoft gun during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Tattoo artist, Su Chun, 39, holds an airsoft gun during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Those preparing against a threat from China include Su, who was determined to learn how to use air guns. "I wanted to learn some combat skills, including those that are not just limited to using a gun. Maybe skills to be able to react to any kind of situation," he said. But gun training would be useful if the government called up reservists like himself to repulse a Chinese invasion, Su added. "Most people don't want to go to war, I also don't want to go to war, but in the unfortunate event of this really happening, I will be mentally prepared." REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Tech journalist Alan Chen poses for a photograph during a break at an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A trainee pretends to be injured while others perform first aid on him during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Trainees prepare to enter a building with their airsoft guns during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Trainees practice putting tourniquets on each others leg during first aid training during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Trainees prepare to enter a building with their airsoft guns during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Trainees listen to their trainer about what to be alert for when entering a building, during an airsoft gun training lesson, at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Trainees work on a simulated hostage rescue mission during an airsoft gun training lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Trainees work on a hostage rescue simulation during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

"Taiwan spirit, world Number 1" is seen written on the flag of Taiwan on the backpack of a trainee during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A trainee puts on his helmet during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Trainees line up to practice target shooting with their airsoft guns during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Trainees practice target shooting with their airsoft guns during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Personal trainer, Chris Chen, poses with an airsoft gun during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 21, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A trainee practices entering a building with his airsoft gun during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Personal trainer, Chris Chen, and other trainees practice carrying an injured person during an airsoft gun shooting lesson at the shooting range of the combat skill training company Polar Light, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 22, 2022. Since the war in Ukraine started three months ago, bookings have nearly quadrupled for lessons in how to shoot airsoft guns, or low-power devices designed to shoot non-metallic projectiles. "More and more people are coming to take part," said Max Chiang, chief executive of Polar Light. REUTERS/Ann Wang SEARCH "WANG TAIWAN AIRSOFT GUNS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.