KEELUNG, Taiwan- "Dressed in camouflage and brandishing a toy rifle, Tsai Tsung-lin, a 22-year-old ex-soldier, embarks on a month-long trek across Taiwan with a singular message: readiness for conflict.

Having left the military in July, he seeks to raise civil defense awareness and foster unity among Taiwan's citizens amidst escalating tensions with China.

Despite Taiwan's democratic governance, China continues to intensify its military presence, pressuring Taiwan to acknowledge Beijing's sovereignty, a stance firmly rejected by Taipei. Recently, China conducted military exercises near the island in response to Vice President William Lai's U.S. visits, signaling the ongoing threats.

Tsai stated, 'We recognize the implications of this constant Chinese pressure and want people to prepare - to prepare for the prospect of war, with a clear objective in mind.' Tsai has traversed over 900 kilometers (560 miles) across Taiwan during his mission."

Tsai passionately stressed, "It's crucial for everyone to recognize our adversaries."

Sporting a prominent Taiwanese flag attached to his backpack and wielding a yellow sign proclaiming, "Circling the island to heighten awareness against our foes," Tsai has become a social media sensation in Taiwan.

Throughout his journey, he's experienced a warm reception, with locals generously offering him food and refreshments, occasionally engaging in discussions about the tensions with China.

Huang, a street vendor who preferred to remain anonymous, lauded Tsai, stating, "He's become a role model for the youth in our nation. I think he's remarkable." She had just treated Tsai to a cooling dessert in the midst of scorching temperatures.

Tsai admitted that he doesn't know how much longer he'll remain on the road, but he's determined to persist until his message reaches every corner of Taiwan. He firmly declared, "This isn't a vacation; it's a form of self-imposed hardship. It's incredibly demanding."