TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense said Tuesday that shoppers in certain districts will be guided to shelters during nationwide air raid drills that will be held from July 15 to 18.

During this year’s Han Kuang 41 military exercises, the government will hold the "2025 Urban Resilience Exercise," combining the annual Wan An air defense and the Min An civil defense drills, per Liberty Times. The exercises will incorporate air raid alerts, evacuation drills, and traffic control across public transportation, consumer spaces, and government buildings.

The Ministry of National Defense said each local government will select three townships or districts to serve as "key verification zones" to test civilian access to air defense shelters. Drivers in these areas should pull over, exit their vehicles, and enter the nearest shelter or follow officials' guidance. 

Chu Sen-tsuen (朱森村), director-general of the All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency, said business operations in affected areas, such as shopping centers, will be paused during the drills. Civil defense teams and staff at chains such as Carrefour and RT Mart will assist in guiding people to shelters, and the public will not be allowed to continue shopping or dining indoors during the drill.

Chu added that emergency relief station drills, planned by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, simulate temporary shelters for displaced residents whose homes are hit in hypothetical airstrikes. These include procedures for registration, counseling, and basic care services.

Public transport hubs such as Taoyuan International Airport will also be included. Chu said the exercises aim to boost nationwide participation while minimizing disruption. 

Passengers waiting to board flights will not be subject to restrictions, but those deplaning must comply with drill protocols. Due to the airport’s vast area, civil defense teams and airport staff will be deployed to guide people through the evacuation drills and enforce measures.

Chu emphasized that all residents in verification zones must comply with air raid evacuation and traffic control procedures. Individuals who fail to comply with air defense drill instructions may be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000 (US$1,000 and US$5,000) for breaching the Civil Defense Act.

Major General Tung Chi-hsing (董冀星), director of the Ministry of National Defense's joint operations planning division, said the military’s drill design takes threat assessments into account. Strategic locations like Taoyuan International Airport and other major airports are considered likely enemy targets, and the military’s planning includes ground and air defense operations in these areas.