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China's Global Times Slams Salman Khan's Galwan Film as "Distorting Facts"

Chinese state-run Global Times has criticized the upcoming Salman Khan film "Battle of Galwan," alleging it distorts facts about the 2020 border clash. The film, based on the Galwan Valley incident where 20 Indian soldiers died, shows Khan as an Indian Army officer in high-altitude combat scenes. Tensions between India and China escalated after the clash, though both sides have since disengaged and created buffer zones. Concurrently, India has inaugurated a war memorial in Leh to honor the fallen soldiers, emphasizing the enduring significance of the event.

Key Points: China Criticizes Salman Khan's Galwan Battle Film | Fact-Distortion Claim

  • Chinese state media criticizes film
  • Based on 2020 Galwan Valley clash
  • 20 Indian soldiers died in conflict
  • Film set for 2026 release
  • India inaugurates Galwan memorial
3 min read

Chinese state backed Global Times alleges Salman Khan film on Galwan Battle 'distorting facts'

Global Times, a Chinese state media outlet, alleges Salman Khan's "Battle of Galwan" film distorts facts on the 2020 India-China border clash. Explore the controversy.

"No matter how 'over-the-top' a drama may be, a nation's sacred territory will never be affected by a film. – Global Times citing Chinese experts"

Beijing, December 30

Salman Khan starrer 'Battle of Galwan' is making headlines not only in India but globally with the release of its teaser on December 27, coinciding with actor's birthday. Now, the Global Times, a prominent state-run Chinese media outlet has criticised the film claiming that it was "distorting facts".

According to the paper, Chinese experts alleged that no matter how "over-the-top" a drama may be, a nation's sacred territory will never be affected by a film, as per the outlet.

In the film, Salman will be seen donning the Indian Army uniform in Apoorva Lakhia's directorial 'Battle of Galwan', which is based on the Galwan Valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020.Twenty Indian soldiers had died during the Galwan Valley clash on June 16, 2020, five years ago, while the Chinese side also faced heavy casualties.

Following the clashes, tensions between India and China rose, with the army deploying formations near the Galwan Valley, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, and undertaking a range of activities such as surveying border areas to stop a "possible" Chinese aggression.

Since the clashes, India and China have disengaged from various border areas steadily and have also created a buffer zone in various areas.

The teaser of the film was unveiled on the occasion of 'Bhaijaan's' birthday.Taking to his Instagram account, Salman Khan shared the teaser for the film. The teaser shows Salman playing an Indian Army officer. It shows him in a serious and restrained look.

The visuals show rough terrain, cold weather, and close combat scenes, giving a glimpse of the challenges faced by soldiers at high altitude.

Actor Chitrangda Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film. It is set to hit theatres on April 17, 2026.

Meanwhile, on December 7 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the "Galwan War Memorial", paying tribute to the 20 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Galwan Valley clash.

"The bravery of our soldiers is an inspiration for all of us," he said addressing the ceremony held at the Leh Army Base.

Highlighting the significance of the memorial, Major General Arindam Saha, GOC, 3rd Infantry Division, said, "This is a solemn tribute to our 20 brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during the Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020. On the last Army Day, the Defence Minister had announced the construction of this memorial. Building such a structure at 14,500 feet is no ordinary task, but the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed it within a limited timeframe."

Major General Saha emphasised that the memorial reflects India's unwavering commitment to honouring its fallen heroes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's important that stories of national sacrifice are told. However, I hope the film focuses on the soldiers' valor and doesn't become an over-the-top jingoistic drama. The memorial at 14,500 feet is a truly fitting tribute.
V
Vikram M
Global Times talking about "distorting facts" is rich. They have their own narrative. Our films will tell our stories. The memorial and this movie are both ways to ensure the sacrifice of those 20 sons of India is never forgotten. Om Shanti.
R
Rohit P
I have mixed feelings. Salman Khan is a huge star, so the message will reach masses. But I hope the sensitivity of the subject is handled well. It's not just an action movie, it's about real lives lost.
M
Michael C
Watching from the US. The geopolitical tension here is palpable. A film like this can shape public perception massively. Interesting to see the Chinese state media's immediate pushback. The high-altitude memorial is an incredible feat of engineering and respect.
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Priya S
The BRO building a memorial at that height... wah! That's the real story of dedication. As for the film, Chinese media will say what they have to. We know what happened in Galwan. Our soldiers were heroes. Period.

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