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## Overview Experts have warned that Taiwan faces a widening "resilience gap" in its civil defence preparations, particularly regarding energy strategy and social systems, in the event of a Chinese blockade or broader military contingency. ## Key Developments At the two-day 2026 Political, Economic, Military and Societal Tabletop Exercise held at National Chengchi University in Taipei, experts warned that Taiwan must "urgently overhaul" its civil defence and rethink its energy strategy to withstand a potential blockade (SCMP, April 2026). The exercise simulated a 2030 scenario in which shifting global alliances and regional conflicts left Taiwan's energy and social systems acutely vulnerable (SCMP, April 2026). Existing preparedness was described by participants as "too romantic" for a real-world crisis (SCMP, April 2026). ## Strategic Significance This narrative is central to assessing Taiwan's readiness for potential Chinese coercive actions short of full invasion — particularly blockade scenarios that would test energy security, civil society resilience, and social cohesion rather than purely military capability. This connects to broader coverage of PLA capabilities (e.g., GJ-21 stealth drones, land aircraft carrier drone-charging systems) and Taiwan's economic/market position (e.g., Taiwan's AI-driven equity market rise). For investors and policymakers, Taiwan's civil defence gaps have direct implications for semiconductor supply chain risk (TSMC), regional security guarantees, and insurance/risk premiums tied to Taiwan Strait tensions. ## Outlook Expect continued tabletop exercises, policy debates in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, and potential legislative action on energy reserves, civil defence training, and critical infrastructure hardening as concerns about a Chinese blockade scenario persist.