Taiwanese Series 'Zero Day' Envisions Dramatic Chinese Invasion

The upcoming Taiwanese TV series 'Zero Day' imagines a dramatic Chinese invasion, stirring emotions and debates. The 10-part series depicts the People's Liberation Army's invasion, resonating deeply with viewers but also drawing criticism for heightening anxiety.

The Taiwanese television series "Zero Day" has captivated audiences since its teaser last month, which vividly depicts a hypothetical Chinese invasion, CNN reports. The 10-episode drama explores an unprecedented scenario: China's People's Liberation Army launching a military offensive against Taiwan, a first for Taiwanese media.

The teaser portrays a harrowing siege where chaos reigns on the island. Locals scramble to withdraw cash, foreigners flee, prisons erupt in riots, and enemy propaganda takes over television networks. As tensions with China escalate, the realistic portrayal has struck a chord with viewers, highlighted by a million-plus views on YouTube and substantial local media coverage.

One poignant comment on the teaser, with over a thousand upvotes, reads, "As a 21-year-old, I almost burst into tears watching it. The scenes felt incredibly close to home. This could become our reality." Nonetheless, the series has sparked controversy, especially among opposition leaders who argue it exacerbates public anxiety and misrepresents the threat level. China's Communist Party, which claims Taiwan as its own despite never having ruled it, has vowed to reclaim the island by force if necessary, a stance that only intensifies these debates.

(With inputs from agencies.)