Taiwan is conducting "Urban Resilience" exercises, featuring air raid alerts, public evacuation maneuvers, and disaster relief drills. These exercises are designed to prepare for potential threats, specifically from China. The drills are taking place across Taiwan and are part of the larger annual Han Kuang military exercises.
The civil defense drills are part of a broader 10-day military exercise. The exercises are aimed at enhancing defense preparedness in response to a hypothetical Chinese invasion, given the rising tensions. The drills are scheduled for various locations across the island.
The exercises involve a simulated aerial assault, prompting the government to issue alerts and activate warning systems. The air raid alerts will last for a set duration, followed by local governments and civil defense groups conducting relief station and disaster relief drills. Some areas have had their drills canceled due to recovery efforts from a recent typhoon.
Participation in the drills is mandatory, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines. The Ministry of Defence reported tracking numerous Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels around Taiwan. A significant number of these aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line.
China has been increasing its military presence around the island. France, in its recent National Strategic Review, has highlighted China's military exercises around Taiwan, noting the increased pressure on Taipei. The French report stated that China is using hybrid actions, including cyber operations and technological advancements, to achieve its goals.
Japan's defence ministry has also expressed concerns, stating that the combined threats from China, Russia, and North Korea pose a significant threat to global order. The presence of Chinese warships near Japan has increased. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has increased military and political pressure to assert its claims. Taiwan's leader has urged China to restart dialogue.
5 Comments
Comandante
It's good to see the government taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Mariposa
Simulating various scenarios can highlight areas that need improvement in disaster response.
Muchacha
The government should provide more transparency about the real reasons behind these drills.
Coccinella
How many more drills will it take for the government to realize that dialogue is the way forward?
Muchacha
These drills send a message that Taiwan is preparing for conflict, which could hurt our tourism and economy.