Taiwan's President William Lai (Lai Ching-te) took part in a late-night emergency evacuation drill on August 6, 2026. He rode in an armoured military vehicle to a command centre as part of the island's annual Han Kuang military exercises. Reuters

The BBC's Katy Watson reported on the drill, which took place in the early hours as part of the broader Han Kuang exercise running from August 5 to 14. BBC

Taiwan is using the Han Kuang drills to prepare for a possible Chinese invasion. These exercises are the biggest military training event on Taiwan's yearly calendar. This year, the drills practice three main scenarios: a naval blockade (when a military force prevents ships from entering or leaving a country's waters), a major earthquake, and a full-scale invasion by China. Reuters (Facebook)

President Lai's late-night trip to a command centre copies what the country's leaders would do if a real military threat forced them to leave Taipei, the capital. The fact that the president himself practiced this steps through the process in a hands-on way, rather than just watching from the sidelines. Using an armoured vehicle instead of regular cars shows the focus is on staying safe under attack or if communications get disrupted.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) also runs a separate set of civilian exercises called the Wan-an drills. These are about preparing ordinary people for air raids and natural disasters. The MND posted a press release about cancelling a Wan-an exercise in Taiwan's eastern region, though the reason was only given in that release. MND

That cancellation does not affect the Han Kuang exercises. The two are separate. Han Kuang is about military combat training, involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, and reserve forces. The Wan-an drills are about helping civilians practice what to do during emergencies.

This year's scenarios are especially serious. The blockade practice prepares for a situation where ships carrying fuel, food, and goods to Taiwan could be cut off. The earthquake part tests whether the military can act as a first responder when roads, power, and other infrastructure are damaged. The invasion scenario combines both, layering a military attack on top of a humanitarian crisis.

The broader context here is how Taiwan's military planning has changed over time. Taiwan's exercises used to be more like ceremonial displays. Now they have shifted toward realistic war games where forces practice against simulated enemies. Having the president join a midnight evacuation drill fits that trend, putting the country's political leaders directly into the practice rather than keeping them at a distance.

For defence planners watching the region, one detail stands out. The drills now include a blockade as a scenario on its own, not just as a first step before an invasion. This matters because a blockade and an invasion require different military skills. A blockade involves clearing mines from the sea, protecting ships that travel through dangerous waters, and keeping supply routes open. An invasion involves landing troops on hostile shores.

The exercise period runs through August 14. More phases are expected to test reserve forces, coastal defence, and air interception in the coming days.