The documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" was screened Friday on the Dongji Island in east China's Zhejiang Province, where the 1942 rescue of 384 British prisoners of war (POWs) by courageous Chinese fishermen amid heavy Japanese gunfire was vividly brought to life with digital precision.
The film recounts the tragic 1942 incident when the Lisbon Maru, carrying over 1,800 British POWs, was mistakenly torpedoed by a U.S. submarine off the coast of Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province. Amid the chaos, Chinese fishermen risked their lives to save 384 of the stranded soldiers.
Featuring interviews with over 130 descendants of the POWs and others involved, the documentary provides a detailed account of the sinking and reveals lesser-known, gripping aspects of the story.
"Our goal with this film was to preserve history. Throughout the interviews and research, we uncovered many deeply touching stories. Presenting these stories on the big screen allows the audience to connect with them on a profound emotional level," said Fang Li, the film's director.
"I had visited museums and read something about the Lisbon Maru, but not so profoundly, thinking that it was merely as a historical event. Watching this film really triggered my empathy," remarked Song Zhuoxi, an audience member.
Documentary revives Lisbon Maru rescue with digital precision
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that President Xi Jinping had just held a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. China appreciates Singapore's reaffirmation of the one-China policy and unequivocal opposition to "Taiwan independence."
China is willing to take the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore as an opportunity to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and the outcomes of the visit, Wang added.
Noting China keeps the best record on the issues of peace and security, Wang said the country never plots, participates in, or wages wars, nor does it engage in proxy wars. China will continue to hold high the banner of multilateralism, work with the international community, resolutely resist unilateral bullying, firmly oppose power politics, resolutely stop the law of jungle, and promote the building of a more equal and orderly multipolar world, he added.
Balakrishnan said Singapore will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and oppose "Taiwan independence," and will not allow Singapore to be exploited by the separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence."
Balakrishnan said Singapore is willing to work with China, with a forward-looking and strategic vision, to seize the opportunities brought by the development of emerging technologies and deepen cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, investment and connectivity. Singapore will, together with other ASEAN countries and China, adhere to openness and inclusiveness and defend multilateralism.
Chinese FM meets Singaporean counterpart on bilateral ties, cooperation
