China's New Documentary Reveals Soldiers' Sacrificial Pledge against Taiwan, Raising Tensions and Sending Warning Signals

China has released a new documentary titled "Chasing Dreams," which highlights the army's preparation to attack Taiwan and features soldiers pledging to sacrifice their lives if needed. The eight-part docuseries was aired by state broadcaster CCTV to commemorate the People's Liberation Army's 96th anniversary. The documentary showcases military drills and includes testimonials from numerous soldiers expressing their willingness to die in a potential attack against Taiwan. China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, as its own territory and has repeatedly emphasized its intention to conquer it by force if necessary.

State media and the PLA frequently release propaganda materials that aim to promote the army's modernization and display military confidence against Taiwan. These materials not only serve as a means to fan rising Chinese nationalism but also implicitly address Taiwan's ties with the United States. Although the US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign country, it has pledged to assist the island in defending itself in the event of an invasion.

In response to the White House's announcement of a $345 million military aid package for Taiwan last month, Beijing criticized the move. The aid package was seen as drawing lessons from US military assistance to Ukraine. The "Chasing Dreams" documentary specifically highlights the PLA's "Joint Sword" drills, which simulate precision strikes against Taiwan. These exercises were conducted around the self-governed island in April after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the US.

Among the more dramatic aspects of the program are the pledges made by PLA soldiers from various divisions, expressing their readiness to sacrifice their lives in a potential attack on Taiwan. One soldier, Zuo Feng, a frogman with the PLA Navy's minesweeper unit, stated that if war broke out and it became too difficult to safely remove naval mines, they would use their own bodies to clear a safe pathway for their landing forces.

Another soldier, Li Peng, a pilot from the PLA Air Force, stated that his fighter jet would be the last missile rushing towards the enemy if he ran out of ammunition in a real battle. Meanwhile, Fan Lizhong, a special tactics unit commander, highlighted the importance of remaining calm and ready to fight, even in the face of losing comrades. The documentary also features the Shandong, one of China's three aircraft carriers, sailing in formation with several other warships. The PLA has strategically dispatched the Shandong to the Taiwan Strait on numerous occasions in recent months as a clear threat to Taiwan.

Additionally, PLA jets have frequently crossed the informal demarcation zone, known as the strait's median line, in reaction to exchanges between Taiwan and the US that have angered Beijing. Through the release of this documentary, China aims to showcase its military readiness and bolster nationalist sentiments domestically. It also serves as a warning to Taiwan and sends a message to the international community, particularly the United States, regarding its stance on the island.