Why is a film calling for Taiwan reunification drawing fire in mainland China?

Despite having official backing, the movie about a 17th century battle has faced surprising backlash from online nationalists

The Belieftells the story of how in 1683, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty ordered Shi Lang, the admiral of the Fujian navy, to lead the Qing army to a major victory over the Kingdom of Tungning in Taiwan, which considered itself part of the then-overthrown Ming dynasty.

The battle, known as the Battle of Penghu, ultimately brought Taiwan under the Qing dynasty’s rule.

Promotional posters for the movie featured the slogan: “The reunification of Taiwan is unstoppable.”

The film’s theme – bringing a self-governed Taiwan under Beijing’s direct rule – would appear to align with Beijing’s current policy, and it was obvious from early on that the movie had official backing.

Among the film’s co-producers is the propaganda department of Fujian’s provincial committee of the Communist Party, according to government websites.