Tensions in Asia: Taiwan is preparing for an invasion of China, millions of paralyzed inhabitants while troops parade in the heavily armed streets

The sirens sounded this Thursday. Meanwhile, July 17th in the streets of Taïpei (Taiwan) due military exercise aimed at simulating a Chinese invasion in Taiwan. Meanwhile, Millions of inhabitants had to find refuge.

At 1:30 p.m. However, (5:30 a.m., GMT) this Thursday, the landscapes of the Taiwanese capital turned into a war scene. Thousands of inhabitants had to leave their accommodation. However, disappear of the city by finding refuge in underground car parks or deserted stations. So deserted, heavily armed troops paraded in the streets.

A record number of reservists mobilized – Tensions asia: taiwan preparing invasion

In addition to the Taiwanese troops. 22,000 reservists were mobilized, the greatest number never summoned tensions asia: taiwan preparing invasion during these maneuvers which have taken place since 1984 and when Taiwan still lived under martial law.

“It is as much a training as a awareness of the Taiwanese population to the reality of modern war”Kitsch Liao analysis. member of Atlantic Council, an American reflection group. A demonstration of strength, also? The question arises. while heavily armed troops, Equipped with stinger anti-aircraft missiles supplied by the United States stormed the Taipei metro. High-tech mobile missiles from the United States had been deployed throughout the country, at the sight of all.

“My heart was beating very quickly” – Tensions asia: taiwan preparing invasion

“I didn’t know there would be an exercise”Yang Shu-Ting. 70, told AFP after taking part. “My heart was beating very hard and I was inevitably nervous. I think the goal is to let you know where you have to hide if something happens.”

Several minor collisions involving military vehicles during the exercises highlighted tensions asia: taiwan preparing invasion the difficulty of maneuvering in the narrow streets of Taiwan. Defense expert Chieh Chung. researcher at the Strategic Foresight, a Taipei -based reflection group, believes that such incidents are “Difficult to avoid” in urban areas.

“It’s necessary”

“In Taiwan, many roads and bridges constituting significant obstacles for armored vehicles”he explains. “It therefore becomes a problem and an obstacle both for attacker forces and for defensive forces”.

China considers Taiwan as one of its provinces. which it has not yet managed to unify with the rest of its territory since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.

“The tensions between the two banks of the Strait are very lively at the moment”

Since his entry into office last year. the Taiwanese president Lai Ching-Te has been working to educate the public about the threat that China represents, according to him. “I think it is necessary because the tensions asia: taiwan preparing invasion tensions between the two banks of the strait are very lively at the moment”confides to AFP Oscar Wang. 25 years old. “It is therefore important for us, the average citizens, to familiarize themselves with the evacuation routes.”

These military exercises should end Friday, July 18.