Taiwan’s Presidential Office has conducted its first-ever tabletop exercise simulating a military escalation with China, reflecting the island’s intensified efforts to prepare for potential conflict. The three-hour exercise brought together dozens of central and local government agencies, civil groups, and private-sector representatives to strategize responses to scenarios ranging from grey-zone warfare to near-conflict situations.
The exercise was led by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu. Officials emphasized the need for robust public-private collaboration to address emergency scenarios, including involving taxi drivers and security guards to alleviate pressure on government resources during crises.
Agencies were also tasked with developing backup systems and rapid recovery plans to maintain operational continuity in the face of shutdowns.
President Lai Ching-te underscored the urgency of these measures, declaring that Taiwan is “racing against time” to strengthen its defense capabilities and disaster readiness. In October, Lai spearheaded the creation of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, mobilizing 400,000 civilians to contribute to national defense efforts.
The initiative encourages collective engagement from diplomatic, military, security, private sector, and civil society entities to resist any foreign occupation or attack.
The exercise comes as Taiwan faces escalating Chinese military activity, including frequent naval deployments and daily military operations near the island.
Beijing continues to assert territorial claims over Taiwan, which operates as a democratically governed state. Taiwan’s leadership views such preparedness efforts as critical to deterring aggression and ensuring national resilience.
Earlier this fall, China launched military drills near Taiwan four days after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te rejected Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the island.
Taiwain’s Defense Ministry condemned the actions, writing on X, “#PLA Eastern Theater Command has announced joint military exercises in the surrounding waters and airspace near Taiwan. #ROCArmedForces strongly condemn the PLA’s irrational and provocative actions and will deploy appropriate forces to respond and defend our national sovereignty.”
