Taiwan Drama 'Zero Day' Trailer Released
"Must Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario"
Active Discussions on Defense Also Emerge
A drama trailer depicting China invading Taiwan has been released, drawing significant interest from Taiwanese people. On the 25th (local time), Bloomberg reported, "The trailer for the recently released 10-episode TV drama series 'Zero Day' (零日攻擊) in Taiwan has sparked a wave of emotional reactions and discussions about defense online."
The approximately 18-minute trailer shows the Chinese People's Liberation Army attempting to blockade Taiwan's waters under the guise of search and rescue missions. It also includes China's cyberattacks and sabotage aimed at disrupting Taiwan's infrastructure. On the YouTube channel where the trailer was posted, comments such as "I burst into tears watching the trailer. My heart feels heavy and fearful. But as Taiwanese, this is what we must face" resonated with many. Another comment stated, "We must prepare our best for the worst-case scenario."
The timing of the trailer's release is also notable. It coincides with Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercises, which simulate a Chinese invasion. Cheng Xinmei, the producer of 'Zero Day,' said, "The threat of a Chinese invasion is nothing new. However, due to sensitivities, we have avoided discussing it until now." She added, "We are currently in talks with global streaming platforms about releasing the series," expressing hope "to draw more global attention to the threats Taiwan faces from China."
'Zero Day,' funded by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and former chairman Chao Hsing-cheng of United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), Taiwan's second-largest semiconductor company, is scheduled to air next year. Chao has been a vocal advocate for strengthening Taiwan's defense capabilities in recent years and pledged in 2022 to donate 3 billion New Taiwan dollars (approximately 126 billion KRW) to enhance Taiwan's defense. However, it is reported that several actors and directors withdrew from 'Zero Day' midway due to fears of angering China.
Bloomberg explained, "While the possibility of military conflict between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait has existed for decades, the sensitivity of the topic and commercial considerations have meant that Taiwanese TV programs have rarely addressed it explicitly." It also analyzed, "With Taiwan's military personnel and reserves decreasing, there are assessments that Taiwan is not prepared to resist or deter China," and suggested that "the emotions stirred by 'Zero Day' could help encourage Taiwanese conscription."
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