It is hoped that the Taiwan authorities will listen to the voices of people in the Taiwan region and allow the animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," which has shattered multiple box office records, to be released in Taiwan soon, said Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, on Wednesday.
Zhu made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about the attention given to the film by people in Taiwan.
Inspired by Chinese history and folklore, "Ne Zha 2," or "Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea," is sweeping Chinese cinemas. It has become the top-grossing film in the country's history and the highest-grossing film in a single market globally.
"People in Taiwan naturally want to see 'Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea' on the island, just as they enjoy the 'Electric-Techno Neon Gods'. Since its release, the film has been widely recognized by audiences for its innovative interpretation of Chinese traditional culture, captivating storyline, and stunning animation effects," said Zhu.
"A good film naturally attracts attention. Many compatriots in Taiwan have already watched the film in the mainland, and I have seen nearly 400,000 comments from Taiwan netizens calling for its prompt release in Taiwan. We hope the relevant authorities in Taiwan will listen to the voices of the people and allow more outstanding mainland films to enter cinemas in Taiwan, so that compatriots in Taiwan can enjoy more excellent cultural products," said Zhu.
Spokeswoman hopes for early release of blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" in Taiwan region
Foreign ministers from eight Arab and Islamic countries have condemned in the strongest terms recent "illegal" Israeli decisions and measures aimed at entrenching settlement activity and Israeli control in the West Bank.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their position that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory.
They warned against the continued "expansionist Israeli policies" and illegal measures pursued by the Israeli government in the occupied West Bank, voicing "absolute rejection of these illegal actions."
The ministers said Israeli measures constitute a blatant violation of international law and undermine the two-state solution, adding that such actions also undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.
The statement urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities to compel Israel to halt its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank.
On Sunday, Israel's security cabinet approved several decisions aimed at altering the legal and civil status of the West Bank and strengthening Israeli control over the territory.
Among the controversial measures approved, the cabinet decided to repeal a law banning land sales to Jews, to remove the requirement for special transaction permits, and to revive a state land acquisition committee that had been inactive for about two decades.
Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East War. The settlements it has built there and its ongoing military occupation are widely regarded as illegal under international law.
Palestinian officials have repeatedly warned that measures expanding settlements and extending Israeli civilian authority in the West Bank undermine prospects for establishing an independent Palestinian state.
Arab, Islamic countries condemn Israeli measures to deepen control in West Bank
