Defensive Drills: Why Taiwan's Civilians Aren't Waiting for Diplomacy
As world leaders prepare for Donald Trump and Xi Jinping to meet in Beijing, civilians in Taiwan are taking their defense into their own hands. From airsoft maneuvers to battlefield first aid, private civil defense groups report growing participation ever since China's 2022 military drills. As potential arms deals hang in the balance, these volunteers are focusing on preparation rather than the uncertainty of international diplomacy.
Civil Defense Drills Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
REPORTER:
Airsoft rifles, maneuvering drills, and battlefield first aid. Civil defense groups in Taiwan are taking charge and leading their own drills to prepare for the unthinkable, repelling a Chinese invasion.
Participant (Taipei):
But if you aren’t self-sufficient and don’t stand up for yourself then nothing can be done. Who’s going to help you?
Participant (Taipei):
This isn’t something where you play a video game for 10 hours and then clear a level. All training is cumulative. So if you don’t start now whether you believe [China might invade Taiwan] in 2027 or you think it will be pushed back even later the best time to prepare is always now.
REPORTER:
Civil defense groups say participation has been growing steadily, especially since 2022 when China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan.
While the groups are privately organized, they fit into a larger pattern of preparing civilians for the worst.
The government hands out instruction booklets for people to follow in the event of an invasion, has formed a Whole-of-Society defense committee, and introduced civilian air drills into its annual Han Kuang military exercise.
REPORTER:
It all comes as US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Thursday in Beijing. US officials say while Taiwan might come up in the talks, Washington’s policy toward Taipei will not change.
Participant (Taipei):
I don’t really think about how I’m supposed to view the [Trump-Xi meeting]. I just think that preparing myself is more important and that’s where I’ll spend my time.
Dan Lu (ORGANIZER):
Taiwan, of course, has to be responsible and do all the necessary defensive work itself. Taiwan’s interests are also the US’s interests as they are also the interests of East Asia and people around the world.
REPORTER:
Experts say that US concessions over Taiwan are unlikely.
Ronan Fu (ASSISTANT RESEARCH FELLOW, ACADEMIA SINICA):
And so unless China can really provide something that Trump cannot say no, otherwise, I don't think that Trump is going to just let Beijing basically ask what they want and then the US will make any concession that Beijing requested.
Xi Jinping is trying to drive a wedge so that, you know, he can get something solid from Trump, but I don't think that he's going... that this attempt is going to be a success.
REPORTER:
With potential arms deals to Taiwan at stake, Taipei will be closely watching the outcome of this week’s summit, but for many here, the uncertainty is already shaping how they prepare for what may come next.
