Chinese historical film 'The Battle of Penghu' pulled from cinemas

The Chinese epic film "The Battle of Penghu" (internationally titled "The Belief"), scheduled for a July 25, 2026 release, was removed from ticket‑selling platforms in China just days before its debut. The production, directed by Hong‑Kong filmmaker Soi Cheang, carries a budget of roughly 500 million yuan (about €60 million) and dramatizes the 1683 Qing naval victory that secured control over Taiwan.

No official explanation has been offered. Analysts suggest the withdrawal may stem from a missing exhibition licence, heightened sensitivity to the film’s portrayal of the Qing‑Taiwan conflict that aligns with Beijing’s “reunification” narrative, and criticism from Chinese nationalists over the depiction of Admiral Shi Lang as a traitor. The title remains listed as “coming soon” on some sites, with a new release date still unannounced.