Taiwan president practices emergency evacuation in war drills

The 10-day Han Kuang drills serve as a high-stakes test of Taiwan’s readiness against a potential invasion by China, which maintains claims over the island. During the operation, Lai and senior officials practiced commanding defensive maneuvers from a secure bunker, aiming to refine inter-agency coordination. Spokesperson Karen Kuo confirmed the drills emphasize maintaining governance under extreme duress, reflecting long-standing fears that Beijing could target top leadership to paralyze the state.

Taipei’s streets have become part of the training ground. Near Songshan airport, the military deployed Tien-Kung III surface-to-air missile systems, signalling a shift toward realistic, urban-integrated combat scenarios. Beyond moving personnel, the government plans to throttle mobile internet speeds next week to simulate communications blackouts. This effort aligns with the broader 'whole-of-society' initiative to prepare the civilian population for information scarcity. While Beijing continues its daily pressure with 14 aircraft and nine warships detected near the island on Wednesday, the drills underline Taiwan's commitment to resisting potential blockade or invasion tactics.