A new Taiwanese television drama imagining a full-scale Chinese military invasion of the island is sparking urgent conversations about Taiwan’s readiness to face potential conflict, as its creators warn that the population’s military and social preparedness lag behind China’s growing threat.
The 10-episode series, Zero Day, depicts a chaotic invasion scenario with emptied supermarkets, tanks rolling through city streets, crashing shipping and semiconductor markets, and a society gripped by fear and misinformation. The show highlights the vulnerability of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack and calls for increased awareness and preparation across all levels of society.
Cheng Hsin Mei, the showrunner behind Zero Day, told The Independent from Copenhagen — where the show premiered last week — that the drama aims to provoke Taiwanese citizens into facing the harsh realities of a possible conflict. “Initially, I thought Taiwanese people did not really care about this war,” she said. “But after releasing the trailer a year ago, which attracted a large viewership, I realised it is actually fear that people hide and avoid talking about.”
China claims Taiwan as a breakaway province and has repeatedly threatened “reunification,” by force if necessary. Recent Chinese military drills around Taiwan are widely seen as rehearsals for invasion and a warning against any moves toward formal independence. U.S. intelligence reports suggest Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed military readiness to invade by 2027.
Zero Day explores not only military conflict but the societal chaos and misinformation that would accompany it. The show’s detailed production includes filming in real locations such as Taiwan’s presidential office and consultation with national security officials to reflect realistic war simulations.
The series also portrays the emotional and psychological toll on everyday citizens, from influencers urging peace to officials grappling with crisis and a public caught between hope and fear. “War is not just fought by armies; it affects the entire society,” explained David Kao, lead programme planner at TaiwanPlus, the streaming platform airing the show.
While the show has been praised for opening up dialogue on a difficult subject, it has also faced criticism. Some opposition politicians have labeled it “government propaganda,” and others argue it paints Taiwan as weak. Additionally, Beijing has condemned the project, blacklisting some investors and labeling them separatists.
Despite these challenges, Cheng remains determined to use Zero Day to break the silence surrounding Taiwan’s precarious position. “The threat exists in people’s minds, but they don’t want to talk about it,” she said. “Our show is a crack in the glass for people to vent their fears and prepare for the worst.”
