Russia-backed Soviet film screening in Taipei sparks Taiwan security concerns
A private showing of a 1945 Soviet documentary by Russia’s Taipei office has alarmed Taiwan’s authorities, who view it as part of China-Russia efforts to reshape narratives about Japan.
In a small downtown Taipei venue, the Russian diplomatic office presented the 1945 Soviet documentary “The Defeat of Militarist Japan,” subtitled “Smashing Militarist Japan,” to roughly 20 invited academics and public figures. Taiwanese authorities view the closed-door event as a new facet of China-Russia cooperation to promote a “new militarism” narrative against Japan, a key unofficial ally of Taipei. The National Security Council said it is closely watching Chinese-Russian military and cognitive-warfare collaboration, accusing both governments of amplifying selective topics and distorting historical facts.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry stressed that while normal academic exchanges are lawful, activities must respect historical truth and democratic values. Russian representatives, including deputy Sergey Chudodeev and spokesperson Pavel Lapin, declined comment to reporters but indicated plans for similar future events. The episode occurs amid heightened tensions over Japan’s possible response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan and ongoing disputes over the Kuril Islands.
Why it matters
The screening highlights how Russia and China may use historical propaganda to influence Taiwan’s foreign policy and public opinion.
In this story
