If the threat wasn't specifically DPRK, but something that really forced me to leave, I would also have to consider family which includes Chinese wife and a child (who is currently infant).
Furthermmore the kid currently doesn't even have ID or hukou yet, much less foreign passport, so it really depends on how fast we'd need to depart.
But given time to spare, our initial choice would obviously be to return to my home country in Europe since there we have at least some safety nets and easiest way to arrange residency for whole family. But I wouldn't have that as long term option.
In Asia-Pacific my preferred destinations would be Malaysia or New Zealand.
Work-wise I get revenue from abroad. We are just registering business in Kunming to remodel that revenue, but if we'd have to leave, we could just reregister anywhere else and keep going - which would also help to get residency pretty much anywhere affordable without finding new job.
Given threats that could force us to leave Kunming, I'd rate major earthquake higher than anything else - if we'd survive it.
@ JanJal
Why Malaysia? Kuala Lumpur?
Earthquake. In history Kunming has had its share of huge earthquakes. Theres been quiet on the Yunnan earthquake front quite long time now, hint, hint....
I'm in a similar situation as JanJal with a Chinese wife and child. They both have 10 year visas from the US, so I'd try to get us back there in the event of a crisis.
I've been working at international schools for many years, so I'd try to find a good job pretty much anywhere else safe. If I could choose, I'd love to return to Slovakia or nearby. Preferably a Slavic country.
If the shit hit the fan the first place anyone would go is home.
Thai beach holidays would be a bit further from your mind.
In the event of an evacuation of foreign nationals, I can tell you from experience, you don't get to choose where you're going, nor do you get to take luggage with you.
@Peter99:
No, not KL - too big, noisy, and polluted. Maybe Penang, or somewhere in vicinity of Singapore (as Chinese speaking state) could be easier integratable for my wife.
Of all the SE Asian countries, Malaysia just rings a bell with me. Perhaps it's marketing from the country.
Why is anyone imaging we'd be troubled in Kunming anyway. Surely if anywhere's getting hit in China they'll be targeting Beijing, Shanghai etc and Kunming should be reasonably safe from any fallout.
Anyway, been Phuket a few months back and it was not too great apart from the island speedboat trips. Laos would be great short term (6 month maybe) from what I remember last time, then back home! The only reason I'm in Kunming is family these days, so I'd doubt I'd just pack up and choose somewhere new quite as easy.
@ redjon
Nah, point was not NK threat, just a free gallup style theme, asking where people could consider another base IF ANYTHING happened. You know, I was around those dark days of SARS 2003:ish, and at some point it was pretty tense those days. Beijing Olympics was another tense time and hordes had to leave then. Me got two weeks time myself then to pack and leave.
So based on the thread, the Kunming community has a much more close relation with Chiang Mai than Hanoi. Hanoi is 'better', but you must learn to appreciate Hanoi, and respect the stubborn vietnamese mentality. It takes time, you must fight it, but certainly worth it.
I have seen no 'tense times' in 15 years in mainland China. There could be one, about something, but I doubt if it would have to do with North Korea.
Never felt the need to 'fight the stubborn Vietnamese mentality'.
'Hanoi is better' is merely your own apparent preference.
@Napoleon: first place 'home' - not necessarily.
