How Taiwan is Preparing for a China Attack with Acting, Fake Blood and Mock Missile Attacks

It was just another Friday morning on the Taiwanese island of Kinmen, a few kilometers from the coast of China, when an air raid siren pierced the calm. Local government officials switched off their lights and dove under tables, while a nearby hospital staff rushed to treat individuals with fake bloody injuries as part of mandatory civil defense and military drills.

The purpose of these exercises is to rehearse responses to potential military aggression from China, which has long viewed Taiwan as a wayward province that it aims to 'reunify.' President William Lai has heavily invested in Taiwan's defense posture during his tenure, but faces skepticism from local citizens regarding the immediacy of the threat. A survey indicated that while 65% believe an invasion is unlikely, the drills are still considered necessary.

With Taiwan's government warning of China's aggressive military posture, including increases in air and naval activity around Taiwan, the urgency for defense improvements has surged. Even as drills become more complex and realistic, a significant portion of the population remains doubtful about a possible attack.

In urban drills, soldiers practiced scenarios involving missile strikes, and emergency responders engaged residents in evacuation practices to demonstrate preparedness. Opinion remains divided among Taiwanese; some embrace the drills, asserting a need to be ready, while others question whether such preparations are overly provocative to China.

As political tension continues to rise, Taiwan must strike a balance between preparedness and maintaining relative calm in the eyes of its populace, showcasing readiness while avoiding unnecessary confrontation.