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Taiwan Turns to 7-Eleven as War Preparations Intensify
As tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait, the self-governing democratic island of Taiwan is preparing for the unthinkable—an invasion by Communist China. But in a twist that underscores the ingenuity of civilian defense, Taiwan’s government is turning to an unlikely ally in this looming crisis: 7-Eleven.
With more than 13,000 locations across the island, Taiwan’s 7-Eleven stores are now being considered as essential civilian distribution hubs in the event of war. According to a report by The Guardian, the convenience stores could serve as critical access points for rations, medicine, and supplies if China follows through on its long-standing threats of invasion.
A Wartime Role Inspired by Pandemic Lessons
The proposal comes from Taiwan’s “Whole of Society Defense Resilience Committee,” a panel convened by President Lai Ching-te to coordinate civil defense planning. The idea was born from Taiwan’s successful use of 7-Eleven during the COVID-19 pandemic to distribute medicine and logistics—demonstrating the power of integrating private sector infrastructure into emergency response.
“Faced with threats, whether they are natural disasters or authoritarian expansion ambitions, we believe that as long as the government and society as a whole are prepared, they can respond,” President Lai said during a recent committee meeting.
Blockade, Blackouts, and Battle: Preparing for a Modern Siege
Taiwanese defense analysts believe that any Chinese attack would begin with cyberwarfare, targeting internet infrastructure and the power grid, followed by a full-scale blockade. With air travel grounded and major transport routes cut off, the government is working to ensure that every community is within walking distance of a designated supply hub—hence the strategic importance of 7-Eleven’s footprint.
“Private businesses can play a crucial role in issues such as distributing critical supplies,” said Wen Lii, a representative from the president’s office. “They’ve already joined discussions on providing shelter space, stockpiling, and even alternative energy sources.”
Grim Exercises Reveal Taiwan’s Vulnerabilities
A recent December tabletop war-game exercise exposed serious gaps in communication and food distribution. “After the tabletop exercises, things changed very fast because every ministry realized how unprepared they are,” said Poyu Tseng, a committee member and consultant with NGO Doublethink Lab. “It forced people to think more seriously about what’s needed.”
One of the biggest threats is Taiwan’s energy dependency. The island imports 97% of its energy and only holds about 90 days’ worth of reserves. “Energy will be the most critical problem,” warned Dr. Wen-ling Tu, who oversees critical infrastructure on the committee. “Hospitals, shelters, and transportation—all of it depends on power.”
Rising Tensions and U.S. Alarm
Taiwan’s new push for readiness comes amid escalating Chinese military aggression. Last week, Taiwan charged a Chinese ship captain with intentionally damaging undersea internet cables—marking the first time such a charge has been made.
Meanwhile, U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo warned that China’s military pressure on Taiwan has surged by 300%. “These aren’t exercises, they are rehearsals,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “China’s increasingly aggressive actions near Taiwan are drawing global attention and accelerating Taiwan’s defense preparations.”
7-Eleven as Symbol of Civilian Resistance
From medicine to missiles, Taiwan is mobilizing its entire society. And while 7-Eleven may seem like a humble player in a global conflict, its role could be pivotal in keeping Taiwan’s population fed, informed, and resilient in the face of aggression.
As China rattles sabers and rehearses blockades, Taiwan’s civilians are being quietly prepared for the fight of their lives—one Slurpee at a time.
