Taiwanese TV Series "Zero Day" Sparks Anxiety About a Chinese Invasion
The trailer for "Zero Day," a government-backed Taiwanese TV series depicting a Chinese invasion, has sparked anxiety and emotional responses across the island. The series, partly funded by Taiwanese authorities, aims to address the rising threat from China and bolster public awareness and defenses.
Context and Reaction
China’s People’s Liberation Army frequently releases propaganda portraying attacks on Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that Beijing claims as its own. However, the depiction of such an invasion by a Taiwanese-produced series is unprecedented and has struck a nerve with the local population.
One YouTube user commented emotionally, “I burst into tears watching this. I feel heavy-hearted, and it’s scary. But this is what we need to face as Taiwanese.” Another wrote, “We need to make the best preparation for the worst scenario.”
The release of the trailer coincides with Taiwan’s annual military drills designed to prepare for a potential invasion. The topic of a cross-strait conflict is highly sensitive and rarely addressed directly in Taiwanese media due to its potential to unsettle investors in Taiwan’s critical semiconductor industry.
Taiwan has been ramping up its defense efforts in response to increasing Chinese aggression. Measures include extending compulsory military service from four to 12 months. Despite these efforts, security analysts remain concerned about Taiwan’s preparedness, citing a shrinking military and a decline in the number of voluntary soldiers.
The "Zero Day" Series
Produced by Cheng Shin-mei, "Zero Day" depicts a fictitious scenario where the PLA mounts a naval blockade of Taiwan under the guise of a search and rescue mission. The series also portrays cyberattacks disrupting infrastructure and sabotage by Beijing’s collaborators, setting the stage for an invasion.
The 10-part series received funding from Taiwan’s cultural ministry and Robert Tsao, founder and former chairman of United Microelectronics Corporation, Taiwan’s second-largest contract chipmaker. Tsao, a vocal advocate for stronger defense measures, pledged NT$1 billion ($30.5 million) in 2022 to help train 3 million civilian soldiers.
Cheng Shin-mei expressed hope that the series would draw global attention to the threats Taiwan faces from China. Negotiations are underway with a major international streaming platform to release the series, although Cheng has not disclosed the company’s name.
The production of "Zero Day" faced significant challenges, including the withdrawal of several actors and directors who feared offending China. Cheng noted that many contracts in the entertainment industry include clauses forbidding involvement in politically sensitive topics, with penalties for violations.
"Zero Day" represents a bold move to confront the threat of a Chinese invasion through a medium that can reach and influence a wide audience. While it has sparked anxiety, it also underscores the importance of preparedness and awareness in the face of growing geopolitical tensions.
