On August 23, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand hosted a special screening of Dead to Rights. Counsellor Tang Jun, responsible for education, science and technology, and culture affairs at the Embassy, attended the event and delivered remarks. Around 150 Chinese students studying in Wellington participated.

Counsellor Tang noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On August 15, eighty years ago, Japan announced its unconditional surrender; on September 2 the Japanese representatives signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, and the Chinese people achieved a great victory in their War of Resistance. The Film Dead to Rights depicts the brutality of the main battlefield in the East during the World Anti-Fascist War and the tremendous sacrifices made by the Chinese people for the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The film reminds us that a nation that falls behind will be bullied, and that peace is hard-won and must be safeguarded by every generation of Chinese people. Counsellor Tang expressed the hope that all Chinese students will carry forward the proud tradition of serving the country through study abroad, integrate their personal aspirations into the great cause of national rejuvenation, study diligently, strive hard, and lay a solid foundation for both their personal career development and for advancing modernization with Chinese Characteristics.

The Chinese students present were deeply moved by the film and pledged to remember history, cherish peace, and strive for self-development and growth.