STORY: :: Taiwan’s capital holds an air raid drill aimed at preparing for a Chinese missile attack
:: Taipei, Taiwan
:: July 17, 2025
Sirens sounded at 1:30 p.m. (0530 GMT) to mark the start of the mandatory street evacuation drills, which effectively shut towns and cities across northern Taiwan for 30 minutes.
In Taipei’s Ximending shopping district, tourists were caught off guard by the siren as they were ushered indoors and underground to take cover.
During the drill, police in Taipei directed vehicles to move to the side of the roads. Some shops and restaurants pulled down shutters and turned off lights – steps aimed at reducing the risk of becoming a target in the event of a night-time attack.
China, whose government views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory over the island’s rejection, has ramped up its military pressure over the past five years.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.
northern Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan, Chinese missile attack
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