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TAIPEI, Taiwan – Inspired by Ukraine's ability to fight back against Russia forces, Taiwanese civilians are signing up for combat readiness exercises. Dozens of private companies are offering classes on urban warfare and military first-aid as the island readies itself for potential conflict with China.

For Carl Kuo, China's intention to take Taiwan by military force looks and feels more real with each passing day.

"Turn on the news and almost every day you hear how tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating," Kuo, a Taiwanese business owner, told CBN News.

The 24-year-old Taipei native runs a small grocery shop in a popular market area of the city.

He says Beijing's military drills simulating a total blockade of Taiwan have his family thinking about how to prepare for war.

"We've discussed taking basic weapons training, getting more money out of the bank, storing some food supplies and planning a possible escape route," Kuo said.

Many here worry that if war comes, this thriving democracy in a strategic corner of southeast Asia will be extinguished.

"We don't want to lose our way of life," one Taipei resident worried. "Taiwan is a very friendly island and people are good to each other. It's a democratic society where the leader is elected, not by military force."

'Ukraine Today, Taiwan Tomorrow'

Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year sent a chill across this island nation of 23 million people with some drawing comparisons between Vladimir Putin's obsession with taking over his neighbor and Xi Jinping's determination to "annex" Taiwan.

A popular saying among people here is "Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow."

"Five generations of the Communist party leaders had always put unification as one of their priorities. They were incapable of delivering that, but Xi Jinping is a different person," Dr. Alexander Huang of Tamkang University told CBN News.

That's why many Taiwanese point to Ukraine's continued resistance against a much bigger invading army.

"The unity displayed by all Ukrainians has been inspiring to us and it should also serve as a warning to China that they should think twice about attacking us," another resident of Taipei said.

Polls show an overwhelming majority of people here, over 70%, willing to defend Taiwan against any Chinese invasion.

total blockade of Taiwan

If China takes action, this is the first step. After a few months blockade without even invading, how long can Taiwan last? I doubt that 23 million islanders are self-sufficient in food and energy. Would Japan, Vietnam, and the US be willing to run a blockade?