Taipei Conducts Large-Scale Air Raid, Evacuation Drills Amid China Threat

Taipei is conducting one of its largest-ever civil defence drills, including air raid sirens, mass evacuation, and emergency response rehearsals, to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion. The exercises, part of the annual Han Kuang military drills, have expanded this year to include urban combat training and use of public transport to simulate realistic scenarios in city streets, reflecting the increased threat from China. Residents must shelter indoors during siren alerts, with traffic halted and businesses pausing operations, while emergency personnel practice evacuations, mass casualty management, and aid distribution. These drills aim to raise public awareness and demonstrate Taiwan's preparedness to both its citizens and international supporters, notably the United States. The heightened tensions stem from Beijing's insistence that Taiwan is part of its territory and its threat to use force for reunification, especially following the election of Taiwanese President William Lai, whom China criticizes as a separatist. This multi-day Urban Resilience exercise integrates civil defence and military training to acclimate the population to the realities of modern warfare and potential invasion scenarios.