Battle Of Galwan: Salman Khan's 'Battle of Galwan' Teaser Angers China, Global Times Says 'Story Doesn't Occupy Land'

The release of the teaser for Bollywood actor Salman Khan's upcoming film, 'Battle of Galwan,' has stirred significant controversy and concern in China, while the film is based on the violent clashes that occurred between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley in 2020, an event that profoundly impacted bilateral relations between the two nations. Following the teaser's unveiling, the Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times issued a sharp rebuke, asserting that 'a story doesn't occupy land' and that the film is devoid of 'facts. ' This statement underscores China's sensitivity to any portrayal of the Galwan conflict that deviates from its carefully constructed narrative.

China's Official Stance Versus Global Reports

China has consistently maintained an ambiguous and understated figure regarding its casualties in the Galwan Valley conflict, claiming that only four of its soldiers were killed in the skirmish. This figure stands in stark contrast to numerous international reports and analyses. For instance, the Australian newspaper 'The Klaxon' published a detailed report asserting that at least 38 Chinese soldiers died in Galwan. This discrepancy highlights China's strategy of avoiding public acknowledgment of its military's vulnerabilities or losses. India, on the other hand, officially confirmed the martyrdom of 20 of its. Soldiers in the clash, an event that deeply resonated with the Indian public.

Global Times' Reaction and Chinese Expert Opinions

Commenting specifically on Salman Khan's film, the Chinese media outlet Global Times noted that most people in China recognize Salman Khan for his film 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan,' a humanitarian story centered on India-Pakistan relations. In 'Battle of Galwan,' Salman Khan is set to portray Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, a figure. Whom Indian media describes as having played a crucial role in the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict. Chinese experts, in their critique of the film, stated that it would have 'no effect on our sacred land. ' They argued that Bollywood films are primarily driven by emotion and entertainment, and no matter how exaggerated a. Film might be, it can't alter history or diminish the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) resolve to defend its territory. This statement reflects China's unwavering stance on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, even amidst factual disputes.

'Lacks Facts' - China's Core Argument

Immediately after the film's teaser was released, reactions from China began to surface, questioning the 'facts' presented in the movie. A Chinese expert emphasized that while Bollywood films often focus on emotions and entertainment, no film, regardless of its dramatic or exaggerated nature, can change history, while they firmly believe that such films can't undermine the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) determination to defend its territory. This argument reinforces China's official position, which seeks to justify its actions in. The Galwan conflict and dismiss any counter-narratives that challenge its version of events.

Chinese Social Media Debate and China's Claim on Galwan

Discussion surrounding Salman Khan's film has rapidly gained traction in China, particularly across social media platforms. On the Chinese site Weibo, one user commented that this 'overdramatic Indian film is completely contrary to facts, while ' This sentiment reflects a negative perception of the film among the Chinese public, likely influenced by official media narratives. According to China, the Galwan Valley falls within the Chinese side of the Line. Of Actual Control (LAC), and Chinese soldiers have patrolled the area for an extended period. The Chinese Ministry of Defense claims that India unilaterally altered the status quo by constructing roads. And other infrastructure in the region and crossing the LAC first, which subsequently led to increased tensions. This is the narrative China has consistently presented on international forums.

China's Fabricated Narrative and Indian Response

China asserts that on June 15, 2020, Indian soldiers violated existing agreements by once again crossing the LAC and attacking Chinese soldiers who had approached for negotiations, resulting in violent clashes and casualties on both sides. This narrative is crafted by China to justify its actions and assign blame to the Indian side. However, the Indian side has consistently maintained that Chinese troops attempted to unilaterally change the status quo, which precipitated the clash, while as previously mentioned, the Australian newspaper 'The Klaxon' reported that 38 Chinese soldiers were killed in Galwan, while China only acknowledged four fatalities. In contrast, India openly acknowledged the sacrifice of its 20 soldiers.

Additional Comments from Chinese Military Experts

Chinese military expert Song Zhongping stated that it isn't new for India to incite nationalist sentiments through films, but films can't change the truth. He claimed that in the Galwan incident, India crossed the border first, and the Chinese army defended its territory. This comment reiterates China's official narrative and accuses India of border transgression. Another expert expressed concern that at a time when India-China relations are showing gradual signs of improvement, a film presenting a one-sided story could further deteriorate the atmosphere. Experts also emphasized that no film, no matter how exaggerated, can alter the truth of a country's 'sacred land,' and it will have no impact on China's territory. This reflects China's unwavering belief in its territorial claims.

What Actually Happened in Galwan Valley?

On the night of June 15 and 16, 2020, an unprecedented and violent. Clash erupted between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley of eastern Ladakh. This confrontation marked one of the most severe military engagements between the two nations in several decades. In this violent skirmish, 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, demonstrating immense courage in thwarting Chinese incursions. As reported by the Australian newspaper 'The Klaxon,' 38 Chinese soldiers were killed in this clash, although China has never officially acknowledged this figure. The incident severely impacted bilateral relations between the two countries. Following the clash, India, citing national security concerns, banned numerous Chinese companies and mobile applications and also restricted flight services from China. This event proved to be a significant turning point in India-China relations, leading to a prolonged period of border tension and mistrust.