In specific areas, residents are required to seek shelter indoors, traffic must halt, and businesses will temporarily close. These drills include evacuations and emergency rehearsals for mass casualty incidents.
The event runs alongside Taiwan's largest annual military exercises, known as the Han Kuang exercises. The combined effort aims to strengthen the island's preparedness for any potential attacks.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim it. Tensions have grown following the election of President William Lai, who is viewed by China as a separatist.
Strengthening Urban Preparedness
This year, authorities have merged the civil defence activities with the Han Kuang war games into a unified Urban Resilience exercise. Running from Tuesday to Friday, every day of the drill includes half-hour air raid sirens in several cities, with sheltering orders enforced by fines.
Shops, restaurants, and road traffic come to a complete stop, and drivers must head indoors.
In Taipei, emergency teams are practising evacuations from markets, temples, schools, subway stations, and highways.
They are also rehearsing responses to mass casualty scenarios and setting up emergency supply stations. The aim is to prepare the population for potential attacks and to improve overall defence readiness.
Divided Views on the Threat of Invasion
While some international warnings have highlighted a growing threat from China, many people in Taiwan are doubtful. A poll from October by the Institute for National Defence and Security Research found that over 60% of Taiwanese do not expect a Chinese invasion within five years. A 29-year-old finance professional in Taipei said, "The chances of China invading are low, but we need these drills to stay prepared."
However, some remain sceptical about Taiwan's military strength. A 48-year-old office worker commented on the difference in power between China and Taiwan, suggesting that defence efforts may not be enough. The same survey revealed that only half of Taiwanese citizens have confidence in their armed forces.
Despite mixed opinions, Taiwan has continued to strengthen its defence. This year, more than 22,000 soldiers, 50% more than last year, are participating in the Han Kuang drills, testing new equipment like the US-supplied HIMARS missile system and locally developed rockets.
The focus also includes preparing for cyber threats and misinformation campaigns from China. Urban warfare training has been held in Taipei's exhibition centres, subways, and other city locations, underlining Taiwan's determination to stay prepared for any scenario.
