Taiwan TV Broadcaster's False Report: "China Missile Attack, War Imminent"

"Emergency Drill Footage from Fire Station Accidentally Broadcast"
Concerns Over Security Instability Deepen Amid Chinese Military Threat Worries

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Taiwan's public broadcaster Chung Hwa Television (CTS) issued an apology after mistakenly reporting that China had launched a missile attack on Taiwan, signaling an imminent war. The broadcaster explained that the news ticker was prepared for an emergency drill scenario but was released due to a technical error.

On the 19th (local time), during the 7 a.m. news broadcast, CTS displayed a news ticker at the bottom of the screen stating that "military ships and key infrastructure near Taipei were attacked by Chinese missiles." The ticker also included information that "war may break out, arson occurred at Taipei's main train station by Chinese agents, and the Taiwanese president declared a state of emergency."

Later, in the 10 a.m. news, CTS clarified, "The news was created for training purposes at a fire station in New Taipei City but was mistakenly displayed due to a technical error." They apologized for causing public panic and confusion, stating they would review the serious negligence and strictly punish the related staff. CTS is reportedly holding an autonomous committee meeting to investigate the cause through those involved in the false report incident.

Although the false report did not cause major confusion within Taiwan, concerns about security among Taiwanese citizens are expected to increase, given the false report occurred amid growing fears of China's military threat following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, extending military service periods and strengthening military capabilities have become major political issues in Taiwan. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense recently published a guidebook containing emergency action guidelines, and some citizens have formed communities to receive survival and military training on their own.