Propaganda or fair warning? Taiwanese TV show imagines Chinese invasion

A new television series in Taiwan called 'Zero Day Attack' has sparked a lot of discussion and debate. The show imagines what might happen if China tried to invade Taiwan. In the first episode, a Chinese fighter jet crashes near Taiwan, and Chinese warships surround the island, claiming they are searching for the pilot. Soon after, Taiwanese soldiers stationed on a small island close to China start disappearing. One night, a fishing boat arrives, and Chinese soldiers come ashore, signaling the beginning of a possible invasion.

The show was partly funded by the Taiwanese government, which wants to raise awareness about the threat from China. The military even helped with the filming, and some big companies and private investors also supported the project. The creators of the show worked with defense experts to make the scenarios as realistic as possible. The series explores different ways an invasion could happen, such as cutting off Taiwan's communication systems, spreading fake news, and having people inside Taiwan secretly help China.

The show has become a hot topic in Taiwan, especially because it comes at a time when relations with China are tense. Some people praise the show for helping people understand the risks and for encouraging everyone to be prepared. Others, however, criticize it for causing fear and anxiety. Some politicians from the opposition party say the government is using the show to scare people and to push their own political goals. They use the phrase 'selling dried mangoes,' which means making people afraid for no good reason.

Despite the criticism, 'Zero Day Attack' has been very popular. The first episode was the most-watched show on several platforms. Many viewers say the show feels very real, especially since Taiwan has had its own government since 1949 but is still claimed by China. Most people in Taiwan prefer to keep things as they are, without declaring independence or joining China. However, in recent years, China has sent more planes and ships near Taiwan, making the threat of conflict seem more real.

The president of Taiwan, William Lai, has promised to strengthen the military and make sure the country is ready for any possible attack. He says these actions are meant to protect Taiwan, not to provoke China. However, his opponents argue that he is making things worse by angering China, which sees him as someone who wants Taiwan to be independent. China says it wants to reunite with Taiwan peacefully and accuses the show of stirring up trouble.

The creator of 'Zero Day Attack,' Cheng Hsin-mei, says the show is not meant to make China look bad. Instead, she wants to show how war could affect ordinary people in Taiwan and how they might respond. She believes it is important for everyone to understand the dangers and to be prepared, especially since the threat of war is something that people in many countries face. The debate over the show reflects the bigger question in Taiwan about how real the threat from China is and what the best way to respond might be.