Daily News

“Dead to Rights” Sparks Controversy Over Anti-Japanese Sentiment

Published

2 months ago

August 18, 2025

To mark the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Chinese government released several “patriotic films” during the summer, including Dead to Rights, which has grossed 2.5 billion RMB to date. The film has sparked controversy for promoting anti-Japanese sentiment, with social media in China flooded with hostile comments toward Japan and users expressing alternative views facing online attacks or reporting.

The film has reportedly had a negative impact on children. Clips circulating online show children crying after watching the movie, shouting, “We must kill all Japanese,” smashing Japan on a Chinese map with tools, or tearing up Japanese anime cards, raising concern among parents and scholars.

Dead to Rights is based on images of Japanese atrocities during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. The plot follows a 15-year-old boy who apprentices at a Nanjing photo studio and discovers photographs of Japanese soldiers committing murders, rapes, and looting. He preserves dozens of images, 16 of which later serve as key evidence in war crime trials. However, several Japanese historians have pointed out historical inaccuracies. They note that Japanese military photographers primarily captured scenes of their soldiers’ bravery, not acts of violence against civilians, and such film reels would not have been processed at local studios, suggesting the story is largely fictional.

Scholar Zeng Jianyuan argues that the film leverages wartime narratives to stoke nationalism, deflect domestic tensions, and influence Sino-Japanese and Sino-American relations, reflecting political motives rather than cultural storytelling. Australian-based historian Li Yuanhua adds that the Chinese Communist Party has long used wartime narratives to incite anti-foreign sentiment and obscure historical truths, including collaboration and profit with Japan during the war.

Dead to Rights was released in Australia and New Zealand on August 7.

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Daily News

U.S. Investment Report Criticizes National Security Law, Hong Kong Government Responds Strongly

Published

4 days ago

September 29, 2025

Blessing CALD Editorial

The latest U.S. State Department Investment Climate Report commented on Hong Kong’s business environment, specifically criticizing the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Law on Safeguarding National Security. The Hong Kong SAR government expressed strong dissatisfaction, calling the report a malicious attempt to tarnish Hong Kong’s image.

The report stated that since the Law on Safeguarding National Security came into effect last year, Hong Kong’s investment environment has faced increased uncertainty. It argued that definitions of “espionage,” “state secrets,” and “foreign interference” are overly broad and vague, and their potential extraterritorial application could affect or harm routine business operations.

A government spokesperson responded that the implementation of the National Security Law has restored safety and stability to Hong Kong society, protecting citizens’ rights while enhancing the city’s attractiveness as an international financial hub. The spokesperson emphasized that Hong Kong’s excellent business environment continues to attract domestic and foreign investment, and that the government’s efforts to promote economic and social development have received international recognition.

The SAR government highlighted that Hong Kong continues to rise in international rankings in areas such as economic freedom, finance, innovation and technology, education, and talent, reflecting its core competitiveness. The government reaffirmed that under “One Country, Two Systems,” Hong Kong continues to follow common law, with an independent judiciary and a stable rule of law.

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Daily News

China Becomes Top Destination for Australian Tourists, But Chinese Visitor Return Slows

Published

4 days ago

September 29, 2025

Blessing CALD Editorial

According to an Expedia report, Chinese cities have for the first time taken four spots in the top ten international destinations for Australian travelers, including the top three: demand for Shanghai rose 150% year-on-year, Shenzhen 130%, and Beijing 110%. Guangzhou, ranked sixth, also saw an increase of 55%.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that in July 2024, over 50,000 Australians returned from China, up 21% compared with the same period in 2019. However, Chinese tourist arrivals to Australia have been slower to recover, with only 112,900 visitors recorded in the same month—still 25% below pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, the industry considers China to remain the “fastest-growing inbound market.”

Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), noted that the slower-than-expected return of Chinese visitors has impacted retail, dining, education, and regional economies. In 2019, Chinese tourists spent A$10.3 billion in Australia across 1.328 million trips; by 2024, this had declined to A$8.1 billion and 829,000 trips.

To revitalize the market, Tourism Australia launched the A$130 million “Come and Say G’Day” campaign, featuring Chinese actor Yu Shi in promotional advertisements.

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Daily News

Albanese Visit to UK Focuses on Domestic Reform, Not Republican Debate

Published

4 days ago

September 29, 2025

Blessing CALD Editorial

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently met with King Charles III at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, making it clear that he will not hold a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic during his term. Albanese described the meeting as a “very pleasant lunch” and noted that discussions did not touch on severing ties with the UK or establishing a republic.

As the head of 15 Commonwealth realms, including Australia, King Charles’s role is largely ceremonial. Albanese emphasized that, while he personally supports a republican model, he respects the current system and previous decisions, and he reaffirmed his oath of allegiance to the King. He pointed out that the earlier “Voice to Parliament” referendum proposed under his government did not pass, and the government is now focusing on addressing practical concerns, such as the rising cost of living.

Albanese also highlighted that King Charles and Queen Camilla received a warm welcome during their visit to Australia last year, demonstrating that the monarchy continues to enjoy significant respect in the country. He stressed that the King understands his support for Australians serving as their own head of state while simultaneously respecting the existing constitutional system and government operations.

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