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Popular TV drama about Communist spies in Taiwan in 1949 weaves history with Beijing's point of view

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A museum exhibit dedicated to the star of "Silent Honor." (Scott Tong/Here & Now)
A museum exhibit dedicated to the star of "Silent Honor." (Scott Tong/Here & Now)

"Silent Honor" is a popular Chinese television show, a drama based on real events.

It tells the story of three Communist spies in Taiwan in 1949, from Beijing's point of view, and is carefully crafted, entertaining propaganda, with the aim of convincing Chinese society that Taiwan should be reunited with the mainland.

Here & Now's Scott Tong reports on what makes this show so compelling and a good example of how Beijing weaves propaganda into television and movies.

This segment aired on May 15, 2026.

Headshot of Scott Tong
Scott Tong Co-Host, Here & Now

Scott Tong joined Here & Now as a co-host in July 2021 after spending 16 years at Marketplace as Shanghai bureau chief and senior correspondent.

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