Taiwan rehearses China invasion protocol, Taipei stands still with sirens, evacuation drill

Taipei is set to come to a standstill on Thursday as the Taiwanese capital conducts one of its largest-ever civil defence drills, preparing for a possible Chinese invasion, according to a report by the BBC.

Air raid sirens will sound across the city, requiring residents in some areas to take shelter indoors, while traffic will be brought to a halt. Authorities will also carry out large-scale evacuation drills and emergency simulations for mass casualty incidents.

The exercise is part of Taiwan’s broader annual Han Kuang military drills—the island’s largest war games—as it ramps up defence preparations amid growing threats from China.

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Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve unification.

Tensions have escalated since the election of President William Lai last year, a leader China denounces as a “separatist.”

While previous Han Kuang drills included civil defence components, this year they have been integrated into a sweeping “Urban Resilience” exercise, running from Tuesday to Friday across the island.

Each day, air raid sirens blare for 30 minutes in various cities. During that time, residents in designated zones must shelter indoors or risk fines. All businesses must pause operations, and road traffic is ordered to stop, with drivers required to pull over and seek cover.

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In Taipei, emergency responders and volunteers will practise evacuating markets, temples, schools, subway stations, and highways. They will also stage a mock mass-casualty event, simulate treatment of the injured, and set up emergency supply distribution points.

The Urban Resilience drill is the latest in a series of civil defence efforts aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s preparedness and raising public awareness about national security.

While US officials have warned that China could attempt an invasion by 2027, many Taiwanese remain sceptical that war is near.

A government-backed poll conducted last October by the Institute for National Defence and Security Research found that over 60% of Taiwanese do not believe China will invade within the next five years.