Flashpoints | Security | East Asia

In Taiwan, a Disaster Exercise Prepares for Conflict, Too

This year’s natural disaster drill sought to stress-test Taiwan against cascading, multisystem failures – with obvious implications for an invasion scenario as well as an earthquake.

Polish State Fire Service and Taiwan’s Urban Search and Rescue Team conduct building collapse drill at multi-disaster training facility in Taitung, Taiwan.

Taiwan’s National Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NDMAT) discuss triage in a tent with Ministry of National Defense field medical response team members in Taitung, Taiwan. Photo by Katie Sizemore.

In the seaside town of Taitung, four hours from Taipei by train, Taiwan’s premier national disaster preparedness exercise simulated a response to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake – layered with variables Taiwan could face in a conflict contingency. This year’s drill marked a critical operational shift, moving past standard disaster response to stress-test Taiwan against cascading, multisystem failures alongside expanded participation from regional and international partners. 

The base scenario estimated damage to 43 bridges and nearly 1,800 buildings, along with 63 casualties. Search-and-rescue teams and fire departments from seven cities and counties in Taiwan conducted a full-scale mobilization southward, while everyone on Taiwan’s cellular network received mobile alerts testing the national alert system. What was once a routine annual drill has evolved into a vital benchmark for Taiwan’s ability to manage crises requiring a whole-of-society response and international assistance.

Since 2018, the “921” exercise has commemorated the devastating September 21, 1999, Chi Chi earthquake, but its scale, complexity, and visibility increase each year. The evolution of the 921 exercise reflects Taiwan’s shift toward unscripted, full-scale scenarios modeled on U.S. curriculum. What used to be a photo-ready display of capabilities is now a deliberate effort to integrate civil government officials, military field medical teams, the private sector, and NGOs into a unified command system responsible for coordinating life-saving rescues, medical treatment, sheltering, and long-term recovery.

Turkish and German search and rescue teams participate in a simulated Unified Command Center setup in Taitung, Taiwan during the 2026 921 earthquake exercise. Photo by Katie Sizemore.

Particularly notable is the Taiwanese government’s willingness to test unfamiliar concepts and navigate uncertainties in front of an international audience. The 921 exercise integrates international teams and observers, many of whom face similar natural – and geopolitical – threats. The active international participation marks a key distinction between this drill and Taiwan’s Urban Resilience exercise held in June. During this year’s 921 exercise, 180 international participants brought gear and equipment to the island, working alongside local teams for three days, including the exercise’s first overnight, 24/7 continuous operation. 

A Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT)........

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