Taiwan Steps Up Defense Preparedness Amid Increasing Military Pressures

Taiwan is intensifying its efforts to bolster societal resilience and national defense amid escalating threats from authoritarian regimes, particularly China. President William Lai emphasized the dual challenges of extreme climate disasters and military expansionism by authoritarian states, urging swift action and preparedness through the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, which focuses on civilian training, resource distribution, energy security, medical readiness, and cyber defense. Taiwan integrates civil defense with military exercises, such as the concurrent Han Kuang and Urban Resilience Exercises, to enhance national security and disaster preparedness. Lai also highlighted the release of a new civil defense handbook aimed at educating the public on safety measures and countering misinformation about government surrender in the event of a Chinese invasion. Taiwan is actively expanding its defense capabilities by hosting its largest-ever arms show and fostering partnerships with international defense companies for joint weapons production. The government reiterates its commitment to defending freedom, democracy, and sovereignty, rejecting China's claims over the island and affirming that only its people can decide Taiwan's future.