A Chinese invasion of Taiwan and the internal contradictions it could trigger are depicted in a 17-minute-long trailer of Zero Day, an upcoming Taiwanese television series. The story concept appears to resonate with people because it reveals the real situation in Taiwan and signs of division.
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) figures said the show’s premise made it a form of brainwashing, while the United Daily News said the show was “forcing the public into a war.”
To evoke such a huge reaction, the series probably presents a full picture of China’s military threat, and the possible danger and challenge brought by it.
The most meaningful implication of the show is that the greatest danger is not an invasion, but that Taiwanese are not able to recognize the signs of a crisis and guard against the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) political infiltration.
The greatest value of the drama would be to raise the sense of crisis among Taiwanese and unveil the CCP’s use of infiltration tactics.
Being vigilant in peacetime means preparing for danger. Lacking a sense of crisis puts a country in a situation where it might defeat itself.
To avoid a war, people must know the enemy. A nation thrives in calamity and perishes in soft living.
Describing the show as war-provoking gives the CCP cover for its ambition to wage war on Taiwan and portrays the government as a troublemaker.
Chen Chi-nung is a political commentator.
Translated by Fion Khan
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