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The Defenders

Chien-Chi Chang on assignment for The New York Times Magazine in Taiwan

Civil defense volunteers, reservists and military personnel simulate combat scenarios in central Taiwan, including an attempted rescue of a captured commander and the evacuation of casualties under (...)

On assignment for The New York Times Magazine, Chien-Chi Chang documents a growing civil defense movement in Taiwan against China’s intensifying military maneuvers and “cognitive warfare.”⁠
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In Taiwan, thousands of civilians have been engaging in disaster training in the event of a Chinese invasion, or what Chinese President Xi Jinping calls a “historic mission” to unify the island with mainland China. ⁠
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Focusing his lens on the disaster training and growing groups of volunteers who are mobilizing across the country, Chang captures flares illuminating the dark during nighttime drills on the southeast coast, and combat scenarios being played out in central Taiwan, reflecting President Lai Ching-te’s policy of ‘‘whole of society’’ defense.⁠

"Taiwan is considered one of the world’s most dangerous geopolitical flash points. "

- The New York Times Magazine

Civil defense volunteers at a command post coordinate with military personnel after a simulated hostage-taking of a commander during training drills in central Taiwan, responding to demands and org (...)

Participants take part in a simulated casualty exercise during the Blue Magpie Action, an annual civil defense drill organized by Kuma Academy in Taiwan, which trains civilians in first aid, evacua (...)

"Over the past several years, more than 30 volunteer groups have popped up across the island. The civil-defense groups reflect an evolution in Taiwanese identity, especially among young people."

- The New York Times Magazine

Civil defense first responders move out at night using coordinates to locate simulated casualties in central Taiwan, navigating in darkness with red headlamps and low light to avoid detection durin (...)

Illumination flares arc through the night sky during live-fire exercises in southern Taiwan, briefly lighting the terrain as troops conduct nighttime drills. Taitung, Taiwan. April 2026. © Chien Ch (...)

Read the full article in The New York Times Magazine.