Name May Be Small, But Its Actions Are Big! Taiwan Building Israel-Style Defence System to Withstand Chinese Attacks

Amid escalating threats from China, Taiwan has ramped up its defence preparations. Learning lessons from countries like Ukraine and Israel, Taiwan is overhauling its security infrastructure—especially to protect its civilian population. One key area of focus is updating the guidelines for air raid shelters, designated safe places in case of aerial attacks.

New Air Raid Shelter Guidelines Coming Soon

In the coming week, the Taiwanese government is set to release new air raid shelter guidelines. These will detail how and where civilians should take shelter in the event of a Chinese attack and the sounding of an air raid siren.

Special Instructions for High-Rise Residents

According to government documents, specific guidance will be provided for situations where a person is unable to reach a shelter within the allotted time (approximately three minutes). For example, people will be advised to hide behind at least two walls and to keep their mouths slightly open to reduce the shockwave's impact on ears and the brain.

According to a senior Taiwanese security official, it is frequently impractical to get to a shelter in three minutes because many urban residents stay in high-rise buildings. Therefore, the government is now raising awareness about how to protect oneself at home during an aerial threat.

Civilian Training and Shelters in Every Corner

This July, Taiwan will hold its Han Kuang 41 military exercise, which will run for 10 days for the first time. Civilians will also participate, rehearsing how to distribute essential supplies and maintain order during emergencies.

Taiwan has already built air defence shelters in shopping centres and metro stations all across the nation. In Taipei alone, there are over 4,600 shelters with a combined seating capacity of 12 million, which is four times the city's actual population.

Why Taiwan Took Cues from Israel and Ukraine

The Russia-Ukraine war made Taiwan realise that it could be next in line. Meanwhile, Israel’s Iron Dome technology and its robust civil defence system have shown the world that preparing civilians for wartime scenarios is crucial. Taiwan's proactive approach proves that it’s no less than any major power when it comes to safeguarding its citizens. What remains to be seen now is how China responds to Taiwan's rapidly evolving defence readiness.