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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#Showbiz: New TV show imagines China invasion, gives Taiwan viewers wake-up call
TAIPEI: A new Taiwanese television series that imagines the run-up to a Chinese invasion is getting rave reviews from viewers, who said the first programme featuring the sensitive topic is a wake-up call for the public facing heightened Chinese military threat. In the show, Zero Day Attack, a Chinese warplane goes missing near Taiwan. China then sends swarms of military boats and planes for a blockade as Taiwan goes on a war footing. Panic ensues on the streets of Taipei. At viewings in Taipei last week, attendees included the top US diplomat in Taiwan, Raymond Greene, who is director of the American Institute in Taiwan, and Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao, a strident critic of Beijing. The series is set to premiere on August 2 in Taiwan, followed by its Japanese release on Amazon Prime Video. "Presenting such a situation (of conflict) can lead to more discussion about what we should do if it really turns into reality one day," said Blair Yeh, a 35-year-old engineer, after watching the first episode at the Taipei premiere last week. The premise of Zero Day Attack is a topic that has for years been considered too sensitive for many Taiwanese filmmakers and television show creators, who fear losing access to the lucrative Chinese entertainment market. More than half of the show's crew asked to remain anonymous on the crew list, and some people, including a director, pulled out of the production at the last minute, its showrunner Cheng Hsin Mei told Reuters. But as China steps up military threats — including at least six rounds of major war games in the past five years and daily military activities close to Taiwan — the upcoming drama confronts the fear by setting the 10-episode series around a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The drama focuses on several scenarios Taiwan might face in the days leading up to a Chinese attack, including a global financial collapse, the activation of Chinese sleeper agents, and panicked residents trying to flee the island. "Without freedom, Taiwan is not Taiwan," says the actor who plays a fictional Taiwanese president in a televised speech, urging unity after declaring war on China, in the show's trailer. The live broadcast then gets abruptly cut off, replaced by a feed of a Chinese state television anchor calling for Taiwanese to surrender and report "hidden pro-independence activists" to Chinese soldiers after their landing in Taiwan. "We've been comfortable for a long time now," said viewer Leon Yu, a 43-year-old semiconductor industry professional, adding that Taiwan's freedom and democracy must be preserved. "There's still a lot of people out there burying their head in the sand and don't want to face the dangers of the present."
Asahi Shimbun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
New TV show imagines China invasion, gives Taiwan viewers wake-up call
A supporter of the recall election poses for a photo at a preview event for the upcoming Taiwanese drama series 'Zero Day Attack' in Taipei on July 23. (REUTERS) TAIPEI--A new Taiwanese television series that imagines the run-up to a Chinese invasion is getting rave reviews from viewers, who said the first program featuring the sensitive topic is a wake-up call for the public facing heightened Chinese military threat. In the show, 'Zero Day Attack,' a Chinese warplane goes missing near Taiwan. China then sends swarms of military boats and planes for a blockade as Taiwan goes on a war footing. Panic ensues on the streets of Taipei. At viewings in Taipei last week attendees have included the top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan Raymond Greene, who is director of the American Institute in Taiwan, and Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao, a strident critic of Beijing. The series is set to premiere on August 2 in Taiwan, followed by its Japanese release on Amazon Prime Video. 'Presenting such a situation (of conflict) can lead to more discussion about what we should do if it really turns into reality one day,' said Blair Yeh, a 35-year-old engineer, after watching the first episode in the Taipei premier last week. The premise of 'Zero Day Attack' is a topic that has for years been considered too sensitive for many Taiwan filmmakers and television show creators, who fear losing access to the lucrative Chinese entertainment market. More than half of the show's crew asked to remain anonymous on the crew list, and some people including a director pulled out of the production at the last minute, its showrunner Cheng Hsin Mei told Reuters. But as China steps up military threats, including at least six rounds of major war games in the past five years and daily military activities close to Taiwan, the upcoming drama confronts the fear by setting the 10-episode series around a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The drama focuses on several scenarios Taiwan might face in the days leading up to a Chinese attack, including a global financial collapse, the activation of Chinese sleeper agents and panicked residents trying to flee the island. 'Without freedom, Taiwan is not Taiwan,' the actor who plays a fictional Taiwan president says in a televised speech, urging unity after declaring war on China, in the show's trailer. The live broadcast then gets abruptly cut off, replaced by a feed of a Chinese state television anchor calling for Taiwanese to surrender and to report 'hidden pro-independence activists' to Chinese soldiers after their landing in Taiwan. 'We've been comfortable for a long time now,' said viewer Leon Yu, 43-year-old semiconductor industry professional, adding Taiwan's freedom and democracy must be kept. 'There's still a lot of people out there burying their head in the sand and don't want to face the dangers of the present.'
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
New TV show imagines China invasion, gives Taiwan viewers wake-up call
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The series is set to premiere on August 2 in Taiwan, followed by its Japanese release on Amazon Prime Video. TAIPEI - A new Taiwanese television series that imagines the run-up to a Chinese invasion is getting rave reviews from viewers, who said the first programme featuring the sensitive topic is a wake-up call for the public facing heightened Chinese military threat. In the show, 'Zero Day Attack', a Chinese war plane goes missing near Taiwan. China then sends swarms of military boats and planes for a blockade as Taiwan goes on a war footing. Panic ensues on the streets of Taipei. At viewings in Taipei last week attendees have included the top US diplomat in Taiwan Raymond Greene, who is director of the American Institute in Taiwan, and Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao, a strident critic of Beijing. The series is set to premiere on August 2 in Taiwan, followed by its Japanese release on Amazon Prime Video. 'Presenting such a situation (of conflict) can lead to more discussion about what we should do if it really turns into reality one day,' said Mr Blair Yeh, a 35-year-old engineer, after watching the first episode in the Taipei premier last week. The premise of 'Zero Day Attack' is a topic that has for years been considered too sensitive for many Taiwan filmmakers and television show creators, who fear losing access to the lucrative Chinese entertainment market. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Not feasible for S'pore to avoid net‑zero; all options to cut energy emissions on table: Tan See Leng Singapore With regional interest in nuclear energy rising, S'pore must build capabilities too: Tan See Leng Singapore New Mandai North Crematorium, ash-scattering garden to open on Aug 15 Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Science Journals: Lessons from weird fish sold in Singapore's wet markets World US and EU clinch deal with broad 15% tariffs on EU goods to avert trade war Asia Displaced villagers at Thai-Cambodian border hope to go home as leaders set to meet for talks More than half of the show's crew asked to remain anonymous on the crew list, and some people including a director pulled out of the production at the last minute, its showrunner Cheng Hsin Mei told Reuters. But as China steps up military threats , including at least six rounds of major war games in the past five years and daily military activities close to Taiwan, the upcoming drama confronts the fear by setting the 10-episode series around a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The drama focuses on several scenarios Taiwan might face in the days leading up to a Chinese attack, including a global financial collapse, the activation of Chinese sleeper agents and panicked residents trying to flee the island. 'Without freedom, Taiwan is not Taiwan,' the actor who plays a fictional Taiwan president says in a televised speech, urging unity after declaring war on China, in the show's trailer. The live broadcast then gets abruptly cut off, replaced by a feed of a Chinese state television anchor calling for Taiwanese to surrender and to report 'hidden pro-independence activists' to Chinese soldiers after their landing in Taiwan. 'We've been comfortable for a long time now,' said viewer Leon Yu, 43-year-old semiconductor industry professional, adding Taiwan's freedom and democracy must be kept. 'There's still a lot of people out there burying their head in the sand and don't want to face the dangers of the present.' REUTERS
The Diplomat
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
What the Go-Bag Craze Reveals About Taiwan's War Readiness
Earlier this month, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) – the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan – posted disaster preparedness tips on its official Facebook page, highlighting how to assemble a basic 'go-bag.' The post generated significant attention, with some viewing it as a subtle warning hinting at possible U.S. intelligence concerns. Civil defense groups and influencers quickly took the chance to raise awareness of go-bag use and war preparedness. An online survey of over 25,000 respondents found that more than 60 percent had either already prepared a go-bag or expressed willingness to do so. Behind this viral moment lies a deeper transformation in Taiwan's approach to societal security – one driven not by government mandate, but by grassroots action. At the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that the Chinese threat to Taiwan 'could be imminent,' citing China's preparation to use military force to alter the regional balance and reach full operational capability to take Taiwan by 2027. While military preparedness for such an event remains important, Taiwan increasingly recognizes the role of civilian resilience. The war in Ukraine demonstrated how noncombatants can support defense efforts through evacuation, logistics, and aid. For many in Taiwan, this redefined 'defense' not just as battlefield readiness, but as a community's ability to function amid disruption. While President Lai Ching-te's administration has established a Whole-of-Society Resilience Defense Committee, civil society has simultaneously taken an active role in advancing civil defense efforts. Civil society-led defense in Taiwan is not just a stopgap – it is a safeguard against instability in Taiwan's deeply polarized political climate. As the opposition-controlled legislature blocks key components of the 2025 budget, including civil defense funding, reliance on government-led systems can be risky. A decentralized, citizen-driven defense effort offers continuity where formal institutions may fail. It ensures preparedness beyond partisan deadlock and signals to the international community that Taiwan's resilience stems not only from its state, but from its people. Since 2020, NGOs like Kuma Academy and Forward Alliance have stepped in to offer practical education, scenario training, and the cultivation of psychological readiness in preparation for conflict. As structured organizations, they systematically provide these services nationwide. Since 2022, more than 20 self-organized local training groups have emerged across Taiwan in response to rising security concerns. Independent from national institutions, these groups adopt a decentralized, community-based approach tailored to regional needs, offering training in first aid, psychological resilience, urban survival, and more. Their strength lies in cultivating trust and coordination at the neighborhood level – fostering relationships and readiness that large bureaucracies often struggle to build. Despite their individual flexibility, decentralized groups increasingly see the need for a platform to coordinate, share practices, and engage in joint exercises with each other and with government actors. In April 2025, the Formosa Republican Association (FRA) gathered local self-training groups for Taiwan's largest-ever civilian-led self-funded civil defense drill. During the exercise, around 100 participants rehearsed wartime emergency tasks such as search and rescue, shelter management, and medical triage, while also engaging with the military and multiple layers of government – including local police, social welfare agencies, and public health authorities. The exercise demonstrated how decentralized actors can operate in a networked way, leveraging diverse skills and testing intergroup coordination, instead of passively waiting for government instruction. While autonomous in peacetime, exercises such as the FRA's serve to test and refine provisional command chains, strengthening their ability to interface with formal institutions. Some believe that community-based civil defense is essential for preparing for the worst-case scenario – namely, making Taiwan ungovernable in the event of occupation. Yet few dare to say so aloud. Civil defense inherently involves multiple layers: some focus on logistical or psychological resilience, while others – such as post-occupation resistance – require more weapons training. Programs like the FRA's, however, have deliberately avoided firearms. Even without overt militarization, such efforts are often portrayed as panic-inducing or provocative. These criticisms obscure a broader reality: China's pursuit of regional hegemony, as Hegseth warned, continues regardless of how Taiwan chooses to prepare. Returning to AIT's go-bag episode, the U.S. State Department later clarified its support for Taiwan's whole-of-society resilience – covering natural disasters and broader emergencies. The diplomatic softening reflected both strategic ambiguity and an awareness that linking civil preparedness to war remains sensitive in Taiwan's cross-strait context. War preparedness has long been a sensitive subject – viewed as taboo or unnecessarily alarmist by some – due to decades of exposure to gray zone coercion from Beijing, which has normalized the presence of its threat and encouraged avoidance rather than engagement. In some cases, civil defense efforts are criticized domestically as 'provocative' or framed by pro-China actors as unnecessarily militaristic to discourage the efforts. This public ambivalence makes top-down wartime mobilization politically difficult, highlighting the importance of civil society's autonomy and flexibility as an alternative system. Civil defense groups navigate sensitivities through different framings: some present their work as natural disaster preparedness to avoid controversy, while others emphasize deterrence and national identity, believing that cultivating a sense of vigilance toward war is paramount. These grassroots preparedness initiatives take diverse forms to meet the varying disaster imaginaries of the Taiwanese public, effectively compensating for the gaps that top-down government efforts cannot easily reach or impose upon due to political costs. Taiwan's civil society has become a vital second line of defense capable of sustaining preparedness even when government budgets stall or political tensions run high, while allowing for flexible messaging that avoids giving adversaries a pretext to discredit efforts. By remaining decentralized, these initiatives tailor coordination to local needs and build deeper trust at the community level. It reflects a society that understands the limitations of centralized systems and is actively building responsiveness from the ground up. In recognition of this momentum, Taiwan's government will launch 'National Unity Month' in July – featuring nationwide urban resilience drills, air raid simulations, and civil-military cooperation exercises aimed at strengthening societal preparedness and deepening civilian engagement in national defense. This reciprocal momentum – from both government and grassroots – is a strategic asset the world must recognize and support.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Sen. Duckworth visits Taiwan to discuss regional security and trade
Strongly pro-Taiwan U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is visiting the self-governing island democracy to discuss regional security and relations with the U.S. Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, will hold a series of high-level meetings with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations during her visit Wednesday and Thursday, said the American Institute in Taiwan, which acts as the de-facto American embassy in Taiwan in liu of formal diplomatic relations. Trade, investment and 'other significant issues of mutual interest' also are on the schedule, the institute said. 'The visit underscores the United States' commitment to its partnership with Taiwan and reaffirms our shared commitment to strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,' the institute said. China routinely protests such visits, which it views as a violation of U.S. commitments. Duckworth and her staff are the second U.S. congressional delegation to visit Taiwan in as many days, demonstrating concerns in Washington over the island's security in the face of Chinese threats to invade, as well as its importance as a trade partner, particularly as the producer of 90% of the world's most advanced computer chips. Taiwan also faces 32% tariffs under the Trump administration, a figure the government in Taiwan is attempting to negotiate to a lower level without angering sectors such as agriculture that fear lower tariffs could open their markets to heightened competition from abroad. Duckworth is visiting at the same time as Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, the governor of Guam, the U.S. Pacific territory that would almost certainly be a key player in any Chinese military moves against Taiwan. Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949 and Beijing still considers the island its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. China refuses all contact with the government of President Lai Ching-te, whom China brands as a separatist, and seeks to maximize diplomatic pressure on Taiwan. While China sends military aircraft, ships and spy balloons near Taiwan as part of a campaign of daily harassment, special attention has been given this week to the location of the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, whose hull was bought from Ukraine and then fitted out by China more than a decade ago. China has two aircraft carriers including the Liaoning, a third undergoing sea trials and a fourth under construction. 'What I can tell you is that the activities of the Chinese warship in the relevant waters are fully in line with international law and the basic norms of international relations,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. Col. Hu Chung-hua of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry's' intelligence department told reporters Wednesday that the carrier was currently in waters southeast of Taiwan and has been under close surveillance by Taiwan's monitoring stations since leaving its home port in China. There are concerns the carrier might stage military drills close to Taiwan that could be a further step toward a blockade, an act the U.S. would be required to respond to under its own laws. While the U.S. provides much of Taiwan's high-tech military hardware, the law is unclear whether it would send forces to aid Taiwan in the event of a conflict. Hu said the ministry would not comment on the possibility of drills near Taiwan, but considers all options while monitoring the Chinese military. The ministry 'anticipates the enemy as broadly as possible and defends against the enemy strictly. We also carefully evaluate and act accordingly,' Hu said. China is considered a master of 'grey-zone encounters' that bring tensions just to the point of breaking out into open conflict. Col. Su Tong-wei of the ministry's operation of planning said the armed forces were constantly evaluating threat levels to consider whether to 'activate a response center, or to increase our defense readiness to perform an immediate readiness drill.' 'We will also react accordingly to safeguard national security,' Su said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
