Prepare or Scare: The Curious Case of 萬安演習

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a little kid, sitting in my kindergarten classroom, when suddenly, the lights went out and a deafening siren blared through the intercom. The teacher quickly ushered us into a closet and instructed us to stay quiet. I was terrified, but I also couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.

What was going on? Well, it was 萬安演習, or "total defense exercise" in English.

萬安演習 is a series of drills conducted in Taiwan to prepare for potential military conflicts with China. The exercises simulate a wide range of scenarios, from air raids to nuclear attacks. I've experienced many 萬安演習 throughout my life, and each one has left a lasting impression.

The fear: As a child, the loud sirens and blackout conditions were terrifying. I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

The excitement: Despite the fear, I also felt a strange sense of exhilaration. It was like being part of a secret adventure. I would pretend to be a soldier, hiding in the closet and defending against an invisible enemy.

The community: 萬安演習 brought our community together. It showed us that we were all in this together, and that we needed to rely on each other in times of crisis.

As I grew older, my feelings about 萬安演習 became more complex. I started to understand the importance of being prepared, but I also began to question the fear-mongering tactics that were often used to promote the drills.

Some people argue that 萬安演習 are necessary to deter China from attacking Taiwan. Others believe that the drills only serve to escalate tensions and increase the risk of conflict.

I don't have all the answers, but I do believe that 萬安演習 are a complex and controversial issue. They can be both a source of fear and excitement, a way to bring communities together, and a reminder of the threats that we face.

So, the next time you hear the siren blare for a 萬安演習, take a moment to reflect on your own feelings. Are you filled with fear, excitement, or a mix of both? And what does this tell you about your own beliefs and values?