Taiwan President Joins Wartime Evacuation Drill Amid China Threat
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te travelled late at night in the back of an armoured personnel carrier to a command centre as part of the island's annual Han Kuang military exercises, which are intended to demonstrate how the government would continue operating during a wartime scenario. The 10-day
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te travelled late at night in the back of an armoured personnel carrier to a command centre as part of the island’s annual Han Kuang military exercises, which are intended to demonstrate how the government would continue operating during a wartime scenario. The 10-day Han Kuang drills began on Wednesday and are aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s preparedness for apotential conflict with China. Beijing regards the democratically governed island as its own territory and has repeatedly said it is prepared to use force, if necessary, to bring Taiwan under its control. The presidential office said on Thursday Lai and a group of senior officials had been taken the previous night to a command centre, and showed images of him wearing body armour and a helmet getting into the back of an armoured personnel carrier. The drills were intended to review the command structure, inter-agency coordination, and emergency-response mechanisms, ensuring that the government can continue operating effectively in the face of various “unforeseen circumstances,” she added. Cold War-Era PlanIt was the first time Lai, who took office in 2024, participated as president in the “Wan Chun” contingency plan, which provides for the evacuation of Taiwan’s leader to a secure location during war or other crises. The Cold War-era plan reflects long-standing concerns over a potential Chinese “decapitation” strike targeting Taiwan’s leadership. In 2023, Chinese state media said military drills around Taiwan included practising precision strikes for a “beheading” mission. Missile SystemsThe Han Kuang drills have deployed troops and equipment acrossTaiwanto test new weapons and tactics. On Thursday, Lai observed missile launchers being installed on an Anping-class coast guard ship, while Reuters saw domestically developed Tien-Kung III air defence systems deployed in Taipei. The defence ministry said the exercises simulate realistic combat, focusing on counter-blockade operations, protection of critical infrastructure and civilian preparedness. Next week, Taiwan will also test reduced mobile internet speeds for the first time to assess emergency communications. China, which has not commented on the drills, continues near-daily military operations around Taiwan. Taipei said it detected 14 Chinese military aircraft and nine warships near the island on Wednesday. Beijing labels Lai a “separatist”, while Lai maintains that only Taiwan’s people can determine the island’s future. (With inputs from Reuters)