Taiwan launches ‘urban resilience' drills to test war readiness amid PLA pressure
The drills were held alongside the island's annual
Han Kuang military exercise , Taiwan's largest and most comprehensive war games.
This year marks the first time that the government has officially integrated its long-running civil response and air defence drills into a single, comprehensive
'urban resilience exercise'
At 1.30pm, air-raid sirens sounded across northern Taiwan, prompting a coordinated response that included the evacuation of civilians and vehicles, lighting blackouts, and shelter-in-place procedures.
In Taipei, mass rapid transit (MRT) stations implemented 'entry-only' protocols, with passengers instructed to remain underground. Streets emptied, traffic stopped, and businesses shut their doors – transforming the capital into a wartime simulation.
The siren pattern – one long and two short blasts over a total of 115 seconds – marked the beginning of the drill, followed by a 90-second all-clear signal at 2pm. Authorities issued real-time mobile alerts to guide citizens through emergency steps. Those who failed to comply risked fines of up to NT$150,000 (US$5,100) under the Civil Defence Act.
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