What's behind the push to release 'Zero Day Attack'?

Editor's note: Zheng Jian, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is deputy director of the Research and Study Committee in the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, and chair professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In the first round of a recall vote in China's Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered a crushing defeat amid widespread backlash from Taiwan's mainstream public who yearn for peace, stability and development, and have voiced opposition against the DPP's "anti-China resistance" political agenda and propaganda stunts. One such stunt is the new TV series "Zero Day Attack" – a 10-episode series set to premiere in Taiwan on August 2 depicting a hypothetical invasion of the island by the Chinese mainland forces. Airing one episode per week, this drawn-out "toothpaste-squeezing" tactic will drag on for over two months. During this period, certain forces will undoubtedly amplify the hype. If the 17-minute preview is any indication, many will once again be subjected to further fear-mongering peddled by the series.

Recently, voices across the Taiwan region and the international community have questioned: Why are DPP authorities led by Lai so indifferent to economic development and improving livelihoods, yet so eager to grovel before the U.S. and sell out Taiwan, inciting its people to serve as cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence"?

But where there's smoke, there's fire. Taiwan residents see clearly: This shows Lai authorities squandering public resources to wage a "cognitive war" against the Chinese mainland. "Zero Day Attack" is no ordinary drama. It is unabashedly a political weapon, a major maneuver by DPP authorities, tailored to its "anti-China resistance" agenda.

The series is crafted to push the DPP's secessionist narrative, fostering a social atmosphere of "resisting China" and "leveraging foreign support for independence." Its production team is stacked with "pro-independence" figures, including Hong Kong separatist and riot instigator Chapman To. Participation in such a project is itself a political statement: No artist or investor with a conscience or possessing rationality would participate in such a drama so blatantly aimed at dividing the nation and courting foreign support for secession.

Money talks, and this series is the DPP's megaphone. Government subsidies account for an unusually high 43 percent of the drama's budget: 27.5 percent – about NT$71.31 million ($2.38 million) – is from the "Black Wave Cultural Plan" under the Ministry of Culture of the Taiwan authorities; 16 percent – about NT$41.7 million – is from the National Development Fund; and additional backing comes from Kaohsiung City's "Kaohsiung Film Fund" and Chunghwa Telecom.

A closer look at the drama's rollout alongside the DPP's campaign activity makes one conclusion clear: The drama is synchronized with Lai's political maneuvers. On July 23, 2024, a 17-minute preview was released during the Han Kuang 40 military drills. Later, on May 13, 2025, a "world premiere" was held at the so-called Copenhagen Democracy Summit. On June 25, the official trailer and poster were unveiled amid Lai's "10 Lectures on Unity" campaign. Just days later, on July 22 in Taipei, a premiere event was held to unveil the series, where "pro-independence" tycoon Robert Tsao openly admitted the series aimed to sway the July 26 recall vote. The drama will begin airing August 2 at a glacial pace, seemingly designed to slowly stoke public fear, influence the August 23 recall vote, set the tone for the 2026 local elections, and ultimately support Lai's 2028 re-election bid.

On July 30, Lai shed all pretense, vowing to lead the DPP across the finish line in the recall. Meanwhile, Taiwan officials threatened retired soldiers against "falling for" the Chinese mainland's united front tactics," while the Mainland Affairs Council warned of stripping pensions from those who "harm Taiwan's dignity."

Where is the DPP's "democracy, freedom or human rights" when they peddle a drama built on lies, fear, and distortion?

The drama is set to premiere in Japan on August 15 – the anniversary of Imperial Japan's surrender in World War II. But why this date? Why does its soundtrack echo Imperial Japanese military marches? Why cast Japanese actors like Issei Takahashi and Asami Mizukawa? Why does the title evoke "The Eternal Zero," a film glorifying militarism? Is Japanese funding or involvement at play? Beneath the facade of "anti-China resistance," the TV series is a manifesto of Lai's pro-Japan undertone.

After the recall debacle, Lai has spiraled into recklessness. His recent actions prove he remains hellbent on destabilizing Taiwan, refusing introspection. For political gain, he would gladly pit compatriots against each other, dragging Taiwan into ruin. His callousness during Typhoon Danas and now this drama cement his role as a divider of Taiwan society, warmonger across the Taiwan Straits, and traitor trading Taiwan's interests for Western patronage.

A July 31 post-recall poll by media outlets shows Lai's approval rating at a historic low (34.6 percent) and disapproval soaring (56.6 percent). The people see through him. As the "Zero Day Attack" TV series unspools, Taiwan will recognize the true malice of these separatists and the unprecedented peril of their deluded defiance.

Lai and the DPP are doomed to fail. The public's eyes are wide open.

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