Taiwan Conducts Air-Raid Exercise Amid Rising Tensions with China

Taipei experienced a citywide air-raid exercise simulating a Chinese missile attack, urging residents to find shelter. President Lai Ching-te emphasized Taiwan's readiness to defend itself. The drill coincides with Taiwan's Han Kuang war games amid heightened military pressures from China.

Sirens rang out, roads emptied, and residents were ordered to stay indoors in Taipei on Tuesday during an annual air-raid exercise simulating a Chinese missile attack.

The exercise named Wan'an saw mandatory street evacuations at 1:30 p.m. (0530 GMT), effectively shutting down towns and cities across northern Taiwan for 30 minutes. Alerts were sent via text message, urging people to seek immediate shelter. The message read, "Wan'an drill air defence alert. Missiles/rockets are attacking northern Taiwan. Seek shelter nearby," accompanied by a shrill alarm noise.

In recent years, China has escalated military pressure on Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te rejects Beijing's claims and maintains that only Taiwan's people can decide their future. "I hope that we can continue to improve our combat power, not only to reassure the country's people but also to show the world our determination to protect the country," Lai stated during a visit to the Hualien air base.

During the drill, Taipei's police directed traffic and encouraged pedestrians to seek shelter. Some shops and restaurants pulled down shutters and turned off lights to reduce visibility as potential targets. Thirty minutes later, sirens sounded again to signal the all-clear.

The civil defense drills are part of Taiwan's yearly Han Kuang war games but were curtailed due to Typhoon Gaemi's approach. The defense ministry reported live fire drills on the Kinmen islands and tank movements in Tainan. Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang noted no unusual Chinese military activity during the drills thus far.

(With inputs from agencies.)