TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Han Kuang 41 military exercises planned for July will include the theme of urban resilience and focus on prolonged warfare, including sheltering at supermarkets, reports said Wednesday.
The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Interior want the latest round of the annual maneuvers to feature anti-air raid drills and shelter training at large shopping centers in seven areas on July 15-18, per CNA. As last year, the July 9-18 Han Kuang 41 drills will see unscripted fighting for more realistic combat readiness.
A meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office scheduled for Thursday will declare July as National Solidarity Month.
The concept includes unity between the military and civilians, and the spirit of security through preparedness. In addition, Han Kuang 41 will also include responses to fake news, pro-Chinese propaganda, and the sabotage of basic infrastructure.
While city resilience drills have been conducted since April in Keelung, Hualien, Taitung, Hsinchu City, Chiayi City, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Next month will see the major population centers of Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan take part.
The city resilience drills are meant to familiarize the public with the optimal response to emergencies. The authorities also wanted to encourage the downloading of National Police Agency and National Fire Agency apps.
The public should also research where the closest air raid shelters are near their home and place of work. Another aim of the campaign is to persuade people to prepare emergency kits.
