A new TV series set to be released in Taiwan will show the “sheer horror” of a Chinese invasion.
'Zero Day' will depict what a Chinese attack would look like in order to send a message to the world about Beijing's aggression in Asia.
An 18-minute trailer for the show includes images of China setting up a naval blockade, planes flying over the island nation, and a TV broadcast telling the people of Taiwan to “follow the instructions” of Chinese soldiers.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that should be reunited with the country. Taiwan seeks to govern itself while stopping short of declaring outright independence.
Professor Kerry Brown, an expert on China, told The Sun: “If a depiction like this alerts everyone… to the sheer horror of a military attack on the island, then that might serve a useful purpose – the way depictions of nuclear war in the 1950s and 1960s made people much more supportive of non-use of nuclear weapons.
“A relatively realistic depiction of just how horrific a war might be could sober people up rather than make them start banging war drums.”
He added: “The Chinese government is more likely to be guided by political rather than military considerations in its treatment of Taiwan.
“The most difficult issue currently is the position of the US, which is volatile.
“And for the first time in many decades, [it] is seeing a number of prominent politicians like former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo advocating for Taiwan to be given far greater status and recognition.
“That would threaten to cross a red line with the government in Beijing.
“The new administration under Lai Ching-te meanwhile tries to follow a balancing act, not alienating the US, and not antagonizing China so much it does something intemperate.”
Taiwan swore in new president – Lai Ching Te – in May.
Beijing's defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian has hit out at the Taiwanese leader, saying: “Since taking office, the leader of the Taiwan region has seriously challenged the one-China principle.
“Pushing our compatriots in Taiwan into a dangerous situation of war and danger.
“This is purely playing with fire, and those who play with fire will surely get themselves burnt.”