Taipei: A new Taiwanese drama series depicting a fictional Chinese invasion has ignited significant discussion following its Saturday premiere, which quickly climbed to the top of drama rankings on public television and various streaming platforms. The 10-episode series, titled “Zero Day Attack,” is set in 2028 and imagines a scenario where China employs a missing warplane as a pretext to initiate a blockade as a newly elected Taiwanese president is about to assume office.
According to Deutsche Welle, the series has been polarizing among viewers, with some praising it for raising awareness about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) infiltration tactics, while others criticize it for promoting a “sense of national doom.” The showrunner and screenwriter, Cheng Hsin-mei, explained that the inspiration for the series partly stemmed from witnessing the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the urgency of addressing potential threats. Cheng noted that production began in late 2022, the same year Russia invaded Ukraine, amidst China’s intensifying military presence around Taiwan.
The series has gained international attention, premiering at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit in Denmark, where it received a standing ovation. It is also set to debut at an event in Washington in September and will launch on a Japanese streaming platform in mid-August. Despite its success, the series has been controversial domestically, with the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of using public funds to promote fear. Cheng defended the use of government subsidies, stating that they are common for local film and TV projects.
In addition to the series, games focusing on China’s political infiltration strategies have also entered the market. Earlier this year, the board game “2045” was released, simulating a Chinese military attack. Another game, “Reversed Front,” available as a mobile game, allows players to infiltrate the CCP. Despite being banned in Hong Kong, the mobile game saw a surge in downloads. Johnny, a spokesperson for “Reversed Front,” emphasized the importance of presenting a realistic picture of the political landscape in East Asia.
Critics have raised concerns about the psychological impact of these works, warning they could increase public anxiety. Tammy Lin, a professor at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University, highlighted the emotional toll of engaging with such content, noting that it is a challenging topic for many Taiwanese. The Chinese Defense Ministry has criticized “Zero Day Attack,” labeling it as politically motivated and potentially harmful. Tai, a commentator, warned that division could be fertile ground for misinformation and stressed the importance of fostering rational dialogue over fear.