Taiwan Holds Largest Civil Defence Exercise Amid Rising Tensions with China
Taipeis capital came to a standstill on Thursday as Taiwan held one of its largest-ever civil defence exercises against possible Chinese invasion.
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, experienced one of its largest-ever civil defense exercises on Thursday, simulating responses to potential Chinese invasion.
Air raid sirens sounded throughout the metropolitan area, and residents in designated zones were required to seek shelter indoors.
Traffic came to a halt as emergency drills and mass casualty event rehearsals took place across various locations in the city, including busy temple squares, schools, subway stations, and highways.The exercise was conducted in conjunction with Taiwan's largest-ever war games, known as the Han Kuang exercises, reflecting the island's efforts to bolster its defense capabilities.
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to 'reunify' with it.
The recent election of President William Lai, who is disapproved by China, has escalated tensions.Attending the exercise were President Lai, government officials, and foreign representatives including Raymond Greene, head of the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as a de facto U.S. embassy on the island.
In his speech at the event's conclusion, Lai emphasized the importance of unity and resilience to protect Taiwan's democracy and democratic values.
He stressed that these exercises are aimed at building up Taiwan's defenses and preventing war rather than seeking it.China has criticized these exercises as a 'bluff' by President Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party, intended to push a pro-independence agenda.
The Urban Resilience exercise began on Tuesday and concluded on Friday, featuring daily air raid sirens for half an hour in multiple cities.
Residents faced fines if they did not shelter indoors during designated periods, with all shops and restaurants required to halt operations and traffic coming to a complete stop.During the drill, emergency workers and volunteers conducted air raid drills, evacuations, and simulated missile or bomb strikes on buildings.
They practiced pulling out survivors from rubble and treating injuries while setting up distribution points for emergency supplies.Taiwan has been conducting various civil defense drills this year in an effort to prepare its cities for potential attacks and raise public awareness about national defense.
While there is skepticism among the Taiwanese population regarding a possible Chinese invasion, with polls indicating that most do not believe it will occur within the next five years, there remains a consensus on the necessity of these drills for national security preparedness.
Air raid sirens sounded throughout the metropolitan area, and residents in designated zones were required to seek shelter indoors.
Traffic came to a halt as emergency drills and mass casualty event rehearsals took place across various locations in the city, including busy temple squares, schools, subway stations, and highways.The exercise was conducted in conjunction with Taiwan's largest-ever war games, known as the Han Kuang exercises, reflecting the island's efforts to bolster its defense capabilities.
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to 'reunify' with it.
The recent election of President William Lai, who is disapproved by China, has escalated tensions.Attending the exercise were President Lai, government officials, and foreign representatives including Raymond Greene, head of the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as a de facto U.S. embassy on the island.
In his speech at the event's conclusion, Lai emphasized the importance of unity and resilience to protect Taiwan's democracy and democratic values.
He stressed that these exercises are aimed at building up Taiwan's defenses and preventing war rather than seeking it.China has criticized these exercises as a 'bluff' by President Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party, intended to push a pro-independence agenda.
The Urban Resilience exercise began on Tuesday and concluded on Friday, featuring daily air raid sirens for half an hour in multiple cities.
Residents faced fines if they did not shelter indoors during designated periods, with all shops and restaurants required to halt operations and traffic coming to a complete stop.During the drill, emergency workers and volunteers conducted air raid drills, evacuations, and simulated missile or bomb strikes on buildings.
They practiced pulling out survivors from rubble and treating injuries while setting up distribution points for emergency supplies.Taiwan has been conducting various civil defense drills this year in an effort to prepare its cities for potential attacks and raise public awareness about national defense.
While there is skepticism among the Taiwanese population regarding a possible Chinese invasion, with polls indicating that most do not believe it will occur within the next five years, there remains a consensus on the necessity of these drills for national security preparedness.
