Surviving Unrest in Asia: A Guide for Expats
Helpful tips on how to live safely for expats residing in Asia
Surviving unrest in Asia: A guide for expats is the topic of my blog today. Many expats reside in Asia-Pacific because of the lower cost of living, but there are parts of Asia experiencing unrest, hence my reason to write this.
Living as an expatriate in Asia can be a delightful adventure, full of new cultures, experiences, and friendships. Unfortunately, as tensions escalate between China and other Asian nations, expatriates living in various countries throughout the region may need to prepare for the possibility of a military conflict or war.
The cause of this tension comes from China’s territorial expansion in the South China Sea, which is having an impact on some ASEAN member countries. Countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia have disputed the claims that China has made on several islands and reefs in the region, in some cases leading to minor clashes (so far) between Chinese and forces from other ASEAN member countries in that part of the world.
For expatriates living in these affected countries, it is important to stay informed of the situation and to have contingency plans in place. While it may be tempting to shrug off the situation as someone else’s problem, a military conflict would have severe consequences for anyone living in the region, regardless of nationality.
One of the most significant concerns for expatriates is the possibility of being caught in the crossfire. Should the conflict spiral out of control, expatriates may find themselves in harm’s way. It is important to know the location of embassies and consulates, as well as safe evacuation routes.
Other concerns may include disruptions to daily life, such as transportation, supplies, and communication. Expatriates should ensure they have the necessary resources in place to endure any long-term disruption, including emergency medical supplies and food and water storage.
I’d say the best preparation is prevention, and expatriates should stay informed of the latest developments and avoid becoming caught up in heated political discussions. Avoiding protests and large gatherings of people, especially those with nationalist rhetoric, is a good way to reduce the potential for conflict.
If you reside in one the following countries, your country is part of ASEAN:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Timor-Leste
Of course, I wouldn’t really feel I had done my job to pen this piece without telling you to pray to “God” (Yahweh) for protection in times of conflict and war. Whether it is a war between countries, communities, or individuals, the consequences of war are always devastating. We have seen lives lost, economies destroyed, families torn apart, and cities reduced to rubble.
Prayer is not just a religious obligation. It is a tool that can help us stay grounded, focused, and connected to our spirituality during difficult times. When we pray, we are communicating with Yahweh and seeking His help in dealing with the difficulties that we face. It helps us to find peace amidst chaos and provides us with the armor that we need to face the challenges that arise.
During times of war, we must ask Yahweh for His protection. We must pray for His guidance and wisdom so that we can make the right decisions that will help us end the conflict. Believe me, He will deliver (and sometimes overdeliver) on His promises to those who are good and faithful to Him.
Prayer empowers us to take a stand against the enemy. It gives us hope that “God” (Elohim) is on our side and that He’ll fight with us or He’ll stop the fight if He so chooses. We must ask Him to guide our leaders and give them good governance as they make decisions that impact the lives of millions.
War does not just cause physical damage; it also causes emotional and spiritual harm. It can make us feel hopeless and lost. But prayer can help us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves and know that we are not alone in our struggles. Yahweh answers the prayers of good people!
So yes, prayer is a powerful tool that can help us deal with the challenges of conflict or war. It is a way to seek Yahweh’s protection and guidance, to find hope and reassurance amidst the chaos. We must ask Elohim to help us end the conflict between leaders and nations and to bring peace to this world.
Overall, in my opinion, while expatriates living in Asia may not have any control over the geopolitical situation, they do have control over their own preparedness. Keeping informed and taking steps to ensure personal safety can provide peace of mind and potentially save lives in the event of war or conflict. I hope this blog post will be of benefit to you and serve you well.
I appreciate you reading my article. Check out other related articles below as well. As always, I am truly grateful for your support of my writing hobby.
You can follow me on Medium, check out my other Medium posts, and sign-up to my email here to get instant notification every time I have new posts.
Consider also becoming a Medium member here to get unlimited access to my stories and to support the other Medium writers as well. Please take care of yourself and each other. Until next time. Have a blessed day to all. Cheers!
