Taipei Mayor Urges Unity, Stirs President Lai During Resilience Drill

Mayor Jiang Wan’an‘s remarks at urban resilience exercise draw sharp reaction from President Lai Ching-te

Taipei’s commitment to urban resilience was on full display today, but the exercise took a pointed political turn when Mayor Jiang Wan’an addressed President Lai Ching-te directly, urging national unity in stark terms.

Mayor’s Direct Appeal Sparks Tension

During an urban resilience exercise at Zhongshan Primary School, Mayor Jiang Wan’an addressed President Lai Ching-te, advocating for internal solidarity.

“We are all a family, and the gun is absolutely incorrect,” Jiang Wan’an stated, directly advising the President.

—Jiang Wan’an, Mayor of Taipei

Jiang Wan’an further implored President Lai, “I believe that rational and pragmatic decision makers will never turn Taiwan into a hot spot or turn war disaster into reality.” The President’s reaction was noted as visibly serious, with a reportedly “ashen” expression and a lack of outward response.

“Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier” Analogy

The mayor emphasized the need for genuine unity, asserting that it requires action, not just words. He invoked Winston Churchill’s famous description of Taiwan as an “unsinkable aircraft carrier,” stressing that all on the island share a common fate.

“Taiwan is an ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier,’ regardless of color, the same island, life and death with Taiwan, and survival and death with the Republic of China,” Jiang Wan’an declared.

—Jiang Wan’an, Mayor of Taipei

His remarks also touched on national security, calling for enhanced counterintelligence and information protection measures. The mayor highlighted the increasing geopolitical dangers Taiwan faces, stating, “Not afraid of war is the best preparation for war, and the people will never have no way out!” He pledged to defend the capital, affirming, “We will definitely guard our capital for Taiwan and the Republic of China!”

Resilience Exercise Underway

The urban resilience exercise simulated wartime emergency rescue and disaster victim shelter scenarios. This year’s drills, which integrate previous Wan’an and Min’an exercises, are part of a broader national effort to bolster civil defense capabilities.

In a related incident during the exercise, two individuals were reportedly photographed with their vehicle parked on an elevated road, potentially facing significant fines. This highlights the strict adherence required during such drills.

Taiwan’s civil defense readiness is a critical concern, particularly given regional tensions. According to the Ministry of National Defense, approximately 57.7% of the population participated in civil defense drills in 2023, a figure that continues to be a focus for government initiatives (Source: 2023/07/27).

Presidential Response to Public Safety Questions

When questioned by the media about Taipei City’s emergency rescue capacity during wartime, President Lai Ching-te offered a non-committal nod without a verbal answer.