How has life been in #Taiwan's capital Taipei on the third day of #China's ongoing military exercises around Taiwan? Largely relaxed, chilled, and unaffected. Most people here continue to live their lives and streets, parks and department stores are still packed with people.
I did my routine bike ride around one of the busiest urban parks in downtown Taipei earlier, seeing a group of senior citizens synchronizing with their instruments while parents taking kids out for some much-needed outdoor activities under the scorching sun.
On the surface, it does just feel like another normal Saturday, with the Jianguo flower market packed with busy home makers and famous drink stores and cafes packed with friends checking out the signature desserts.
There is no perfect word or phrase to describe how people in Taiwan have been coping with the ongoing military exercises. Relevant information still dominates local news and the defense ministry is definitely a lot more active in sharing the latest information.
Many Taiwan residents have been trying to get the real picture of what's happening on the ground out there through this platform, and I'm glad some international media outlets are starting to include bits of that contrast into their coverage of the military exercise.
I think this contrast is an important part of the overall narrative of this whole event, simply because it is literally what's taking place at the heart of where the military exercises are happening.
As many have already said: we are cautious but not indifferent. We are following closely, but do not let it completely overtake our lives. We know these threats are unlike the ones that we have been used to, but we don't want to be completely overwhelmed by fear.
Last but not least: we appreciate all the global attention on Taiwan and the tough situation that it is in, but we also hope a bit more space may be given to reflect the reality here, which can offer more nuance to the understanding of this whole unfolding event.
Now, it's time for me to casually bike to an outdoor small dinner gathering at one of #Taipei's most popular rechao places with family. Peace out.
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