The film in question is the Soviet documentary from 1945 **"The Defeat of Militaristic Japan"**, which Russian representatives screened in Taipei. The event itself was held without much publicity and did not attract a large audience; however, its content and political context alarmed Taiwanese security services. ## Why Taiwanese Authorities Took Notice of the Screening According to Reuters, there are concerns in Taipei that Russia is increasingly supporting China's interpretation of World War II history and helping Beijing promote the thesis of a resurgence of Japanese militarism. This is a particularly sensitive topic for Taiwan. Japan is currently one of the island's most important unofficial partners, and relations between Tokyo and Beijing have noticeably deteriorated in recent years. Taiwanese authorities believe that such events could be used to foster distrust towards Japan and gradually change part of the society's attitude towards one of the key regional partners. ## Russia and China Are Increasingly Acting in the Same Information Space Representatives of Taiwanese national security structures have previously stated that China and Russia are increasingly coordinating not only military cooperation but also their work with information narratives. According to Taiwanese officials, Russian state media and Moscow-affiliated entities may help disseminate themes that Beijing finds difficult to promote directly within Taiwan. Among these themes are criticism of Japan, accusations against Tokyo of militarism, and attempts to portray the strengthening of Japanese defense as a threat to the region. Taipei also suggests that Russian entities may assist Beijing through local organizations, cultural events, or information platforms that are not formally directly linked to the Chinese authorities. ## Why the Dispute Over World War II Has Become Relevant Again Historical memory in East Asia remains an important political tool. China emphasizes the enormous losses the country suffered in the war against Japan and the role of resistance to Japanese occupation. Russia, in turn, focuses on the USSR's entry into the war against Japan in August 1945 and the defeat of the Kwantung Army. Taiwan adheres to a different historical interpretation. They remind that it was the then Republic of China led by Chiang Kai-shek that waged the main war against Japan and participated in the formalization of its surrender. The Communist People's Republic of China only emerged in 1949. This is why attempts to rewrite or reinterpret the events of World War II are perceived in Taipei not only as a dispute among historians but also as part of contemporary geopolitical struggles. ## Only 20 Viewers — But a Significant Political Effect The screening of an old film by itself could hardly have significantly influenced public opinion. However, Taiwanese authorities pay attention not so much to the size of the audience but to the very fact of such events occurring and the overall trend. The Russian representation in Taipei acted quite cautiously for a long time after the start of the war against Ukraine in 2022. Now, according to observations from the Taiwanese side, Moscow is beginning to have a more noticeable presence in the information and public space of the island. This is why the modest film screening for two dozen people has come under the spotlight of security services. For Taiwan, the issue is not just about one film, but whether such activity will become part of a systematic campaign aimed at strengthening Russian and Chinese narratives within the island. So far, authorities are not banning such events and emphasize that legitimate cultural exchanges are permissible. However, this kind of activity will now be monitored much more closely.
