Power Play

The Battle Of Lake Changjin - a nationalist shot across the bow

The Korean War epic is whipping up nationalist sentiments while serving as a warning to the US and its allies that China is not to be trifled with.

Chinese leaders often turn to history to make references about the present, and the Korean War offers clear resonance, at a time when an ascendant China is facing off against the US. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Power Play is a weekly column that looks at various facets of US-China rivalry and its implications for Asia.

In The Battle At Lake Changjin, the latest nationalistic blockbuster to hit movie screens in China, there is a scene where a company of Chinese soldiers eat frozen potatoes while huddled in a snow-covered valley.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.