Taiwan is intensifying its efforts to build a robust civil–military defense system amid rising tensions and complex security threats in the Indo‑Pacific region. President Lai Ching‑te announced on Thursday that the country will launch a new initiative called the Urban Resilience Exercises, conducted in tandem with the long‑standing annual Han Kuang military drills. According to President Lai, this initiative aims to unite Taiwan’s military, civil authorities, and everyday citizens in a seamless approach to crisis preparedness and emergency response.
🌟 What Are the Urban Resilience Exercises?
Traditionally, the Han Kuang Exercises focus exclusively on military mobilization and live‑fire drills, simulating scenarios ranging from air attacks to naval invasions. The Urban Resilience Exercises expand this focus to test civil mobilization capabilities:
- Scope: The drills will cover 22 cities and counties across Taiwan.
- Timing: The exercises will be conducted from July 15–17, 2025, overlapping with the Han Kuang live‑fire exercises (July 9–18).
- Location Focus: Key infrastructure sites such as airports, ports, water and energy facilities, hospitals, and transportation hubs.
- Additional Focus Areas: The exercises also involve air‑raid shelters, first aid stations, relief centers, and civil defense shelters.
According to President Lai, these exercises seek to simulate how civil authorities and the military can work hand‑in‑hand during crisis scenarios, including natural disasters, cyber attacks, and potential military aggression.
🛡️ Why This Matters Now
1. Growing Geopolitical Challenges
With rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and increasing assertiveness from Beijing, Taiwan’s civil and military authorities are acting to deepen resilience and “harden” society against disruption.
2. Civilian Preparedness
President Lai stated, “Preparedness leads to greater safety”, highlighting that every citizen has a role in national defense. The Urban Resilience Exercises seek to foster this mentality and educate the public about their role in crisis response.
3. “National Unity Month” Concept
July has been designated as National Unity Month, underscoring the importance of fostering a sense of national belonging and reinforcing collective defense.
4. New Partnerships
This year’s exercises also mark a first: PX Mart, one of Taiwan’s largest supermarket chains, will participate. This step signifies the growing role of the private sector in national defense and crisis response.
🏥 Specific Goals of the Exercises
President Lai emphasized that the exercises seek to:
- Identify vulnerabilities across key infrastructure.
- Test the response capabilities of civil authorities and local communities.
- Enhance crisis management and first‑aid proficiency.
- Evaluate civil–military communication and cooperation.
- Build long‑term resilience by educating the public about air‑raid protocols, emergency shelter usage, and crisis behavior.
🗺️ Why This Differs from Past Exercises
While the Han Kuang Exercises have long focused exclusively on military preparedness, the Urban Resilience Exercises shift the focus to inclusive, whole‑of‑society resilience. This is inspired in part by global trends in national defense:
- Countries like Sweden and Singapore have long conducted civil defense exercises that mobilize both citizens and institutions.
- Taiwan is now aligning itself with these best practices, making civil resilience a cornerstone of its national defense strategy.
💡 Additional Insights & Commentary
This initiative reflects a pivotal shift in how Taiwan conceives its security. It goes beyond traditional military exercises by addressing hybrid threats — from cybersecurity attacks to disinformation and natural disaster preparedness. It also sends a strong signal to Beijing and the international community that Taiwan is committed to a robust and multi‑layered defense posture.
Moreover, the initiative promotes a sense of belonging and purpose within civil society, aligning with global trends toward “total defense” — an approach that treats every citizen as an integral part of the national security fabric.
🙋♀️FAQs
What are the Urban Resilience Exercises?
The Urban Resilience Exercises are a new initiative launched by Taiwan that run alongside its annual Han Kuang military drills. They focus on civil–military cooperation, crisis response, and mobilization of the general public.
When will the exercises be conducted?
The Urban Resilience Exercises will take place from July 15–17, 2025, coinciding with the Han Kuang live‑fire exercises from July 9–18.
Why are these exercises being introduced now?
The exercises are introduced to respond to rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, global security threats, and a growing focus on civil preparedness for emergencies.
Will private sector companies participate?
Yes. The supermarket chain PX Mart will participate in the exercises, representing the role of private enterprises in national resilience and crisis response.
What is “National Unity Month”?
National Unity Month is a designation for the month of July to emphasize and foster national belonging, resilience, and the shared responsibility for national defense.
