Taiwan faces backlash fears as it depicts Chinese invasion in 'Zero Day'

Taiwan has been facing increasing military threats from China, which culminated in intensified military activities surrounding the island. In response to these concerns, Taiwanese filmmakers have dared to tackle sensitive subjects related to potential Chinese aggression in their productions. Among these is the drama series Zero Day, which seeks to depict how an invasion might unfold and the residents’ reactions. Produced by a talented crew, the show aims to raise awareness of the looming threat, making it an unprecedented project within Taiwanese cinema. The creators, however, faced numerous challenges in terms of funding, casting, and even safety due to the controversial nature of the topic. As China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, many artists in Taiwan have hesitated to create content addressing this issue out of fear of losing access to the lucrative Chinese market. Cheng Hsin Mei, the showrunner of Zero Day, emphasized the restrictions placed on creators by China, which has historically pressured Taiwanese artists to conform to its political ideologies and rhetoric. Despite these challenges, the production team remains hopeful, drawing attention to the concerns facing the Taiwanese populace in light of growing military incursions conducted by the People’s Liberation Army. The series’ plot, which includes elements of suspense and realism, revolves around a fictional scenario where Chinese forces enact a blockade following the disappearance of a Chinese warplane. As the narrative unfolds, the story aims to illustrate the chaos and reactions that Taiwanese citizens might experience should such an invasion occur. The trailer for Zero Day has already garnered over two million views, indicating a keen interest from the public in reflecting on the potential threats posed by China. Consequently, the project represents not just a creative endeavor but a statement of resilience against perceived aggression. Many in Taiwan are anxious about the future relationship between the island and China, and productions like Zero Day contribute to vital discussions about freedom and national identity. Through this ambitious project, filmmakers hope to enlighten viewers about the reality of their geopolitical situation and also encourage unity among citizens to face potential challenges ahead.