Taipei – In a significant move reflecting growing regional security concerns, Taiwan has announced new air-raid guidance for civilians, drawing on the experiences of Ukraine and Israel. The updated protocol, scheduled for release next week, aims to improve public preparedness in the event of a Chinese attack.

The new guidance includes practical instructions for those caught outside shelters, such as taking cover behind at least two walls and lying down with the mouth slightly open to minimize internal damage from shockwaves. Specific directions are also being provided for office workers, drivers, and others in transit during an emergency.

This announcement comes ahead of Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises, which will be extended to 10 days in July, making it the longest iteration in recent memory. These drills will test the nation’s civil defense systems, including the establishment of emergency supply points, power backups, and telecommunications resilience.

Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei, already has over 4,600 public shelters with a capacity to accommodate more than 12 million people, far exceeding its population. However, officials stress the importance of alternative protection strategies, acknowledging that not all citizens will be able to reach formal shelters in time during an attack.

The updated civil defense strategy comes as Taiwan faces heightened military pressure from Beijing. China has recently increased its military presence in the region with regular war games and near-daily air and naval patrols around Taiwan. The movements of Chinese aircraft carriers Shandong and Liaoning, currently operating in the Pacific’s first and second island chains, are being closely monitored by Taiwan and its regional allies, including Japan and the United States.

President Lai Ching-te has ordered enhanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations in response to these developments. Taiwan’s defense strategy is also being modernized by involving private companies, inspired by Ukraine’s wartime efforts. Major businesses such as Uber, Microsoft, and local supermarket chains are participating in contingency planning to ensure essential services continue during a conflict.

This comprehensive approach signals Taiwan’s shift from symbolic defense measures to a concrete, society-wide readiness initiative. Authorities aim to ensure that both civilian infrastructure and population resilience are strengthened against the backdrop of an increasingly assertive China.

Observers are now watching for the implementation of the new protocols and the upcoming Han Kuang war games, which will test Taiwan’s preparedness across multiple fronts. The international community remains alert to developments in the Taiwan Strait, a region seen as one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical flashpoints.