"Dead to Rights" a powerful history lesson, highlights cross-Strait unity: spokeswoman

The historical drama "Dead To Rights," portraying the Nanjing Massacre during Japan's invasion of China, vividly commemorates the sacrifices and triumphs of all Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, said Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, during a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the recovery of the island of Taiwan.

Reflecting on the enduring significance of the War of Resistance and Taiwan's recovery, Zhu highlighted the shared sacrifices of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and highlighted the importance of remembering history through powerful narratives such as the wartime drama "Dead To Rights."

"The recovery of Taiwan island was a significant achievement of the victory in the War of Resistance, a great triumph forged through the successive struggles and bloody sacrifices of all Chinese people, including our compatriots on the island. It is a moment worthy of commemoration by compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait," Zhu said at a regular press conference, responding to reporters' questions on recent cross-Strait hot topics.

"Recently many Taiwan compatriots have watched the film "Dead To Rights" in various places on the Chinese mainland. This film is based on the real criminal evidence of the Japanese army during the Nanjing Massacre (of 1937). With historical photos as the foundation, it showcases the resolute resistance of ordinary Chinese people against the atrocities of the Japanese army with film negatives as their 'weapons.' It is a vivid history lesson, warning us to remember history and be self-reliant. It is hoped that all compatriots in the island will join us in remembering the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, safeguarding the victory of Taiwan's recovery and return to the motherland, upholding national righteousness, resolutely opposing Taiwan secession and foreign interference, jointly promoting the reunification of the motherland, and jointly realizing the great dream of national rejuvenation," said Zhu.

The spokeswoman also briefed reporters about recent cross-Strait activities held to mark the victory of War of Resistance.

Between July 30 and August 6, a cross-Strait reporting event brought together 44 journalists from over 30 media outlets in central China's Hunan Province. Participants visited historic cities such as Changsha, Changde, Hengyang, and Huaihua, where they toured battlefield sites and memorial halls, interviewed veterans and historians, and attended a memorial ceremony at the Martyrs Shrine of Mount Heng. The event highlighted the history and spirit of the War of Resistance while showcasing achievements in rural revitalization and technological innovation, Zhu said.

From July 18 to 25, the "Honoring the Martyrs of the War of Resistance and Revisiting Chinese Culture -- 2025 Hubei-Taiwan Teacher-Student History and Culture Exchange" took place in Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province. Over 100 teachers and students from both sides of the Straits solemnly paid tribute at the Monument to General Zhang Zizhong and the Tomb of Fallen Soldiers. Through historical lectures, they engaged in dialogues on ancient and modern culture, including Chu culture and the history of Three Kingdoms 220-280, studied Chinese history, revisited the course of the War of Resistance, and reflected on its great spirit, according to Zhu.

"Dead to Rights" a powerful history lesson, highlights cross-Strait unity: spokeswoman

A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.

Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.

In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.

"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.

Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.

In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.

"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.

By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.

After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.

"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.

Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.

As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.

Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media