Taiwan youths have been profoundly moved by the message of the wartime drama "Dead to Rights", emphasizing that the historical truth of Nanjing Massacre must be remembered, protected and passed on by all Chinese people.
Based on a true story, "Dead to Rights" is a a harrowing cinematic portrayal of the Nanjing Massacre during Japan's invasion of China. The story follows two Chinese civilians who risked their lives to preserve photographic evidence of Japanese military atrocities during the Nanjing Massacre, in which over 300,000 people were killed.
"This historical event was real, and the people of that period suffered even more brutal, inhumane, and cruel abuse than what is depicted in the film," said a Taiwan youth.
The film allows audiences to step back in time to feel the desperation and devastation wrought by Japanese aggressors and the immense sacrifices of those who resisted. "The film, through the perspective of ordinary people, showcases the brilliance of humanity and national integrity during the war years. As a youth from Taiwan, a descendant of Whampoa Military Academy graduates and veterans of the the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, I've heard stories from my elders about those difficult times since I was a child. However, many historical facts have been obscured or even distorted. This film, through extensive historical documentation, reconstructs the truth, and I feel a sense of belated justice. It not only respects the historical truth but also offers comfort to those who sacrificed their lives for our country," said a Taiwan youth.
"I've read the relevant history. I've read the testimonies of survivors. The Nanjing Massacre in 1937 truly was an unimaginable hell. As a Taiwan youth, this history is something we must understand and remember," said another Taiwan youth.
Truth about Nanjing Massacre must be protected by all Chinese people: Taiwan youth
Truth about Nanjing Massacre must be protected by all Chinese people: Taiwan youth
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
