Taiwanese TV Series Imagines Chinese Invasion, Gains Wide Attention

The Taiwanese TV series "Zero Day Attack" imagines a Chinese invasion of Taiwan and the chaos it would unleash, garnering rave reviews and sparking public discussion about the threat posed by China. The 10-episode drama depicts scenarios including a Chinese military blockade, global financial collapse, activation of sleeper agents, and civil unrest on the island, reflecting Taiwan's increasing concerns amid escalating Chinese military drills and rhetoric. The show faced significant challenges due to the sensitive subject matter, with more than half of the crew opting for anonymity and some key members withdrawing, highlighting fears of retaliation and loss of access to the Chinese entertainment market. Premiering in Taiwan and set to stream in Japan and other countries, the series has attracted attention from prominent figures such as the American Institute in Taiwan's director and Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao. Producer Cheng Hsin-mei noted that the war in Ukraine influenced the decision to finally air the show, aiming to awaken the public to the real threat despite surface-level complacency. Overall, "Zero Day Attack" serves as a cultural and political wake-up call in a region facing heightened tensions with China.