Historical drama popular across Taiwan Strait shows shared aspiration for peace: spokeswoman

BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday responded to a media inquiry about the epic historical television series "Swords Into Plowshares," which has attracted widespread viewership and discussion across the Taiwan Strait, at a regular press conference.

The series -- whose Chinese title literally translates as "Peaceful Years" -- is set during the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-979). At the heart of the story is the King of Wuyue, whose peaceful surrender to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) was a pivotal act that helped reunify China at that time.

The drama underscores the enduring conviction of the Chinese nation to oppose division and strive for unity, said Zhang Han, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

"History is the best textbook," she added, noting that the attention and discussion the series has sparked among audiences on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, regarding both its storyline and the historical context behind it, fully reflect the shared aspiration for peace among compatriots across the Strait.

Zhang expressed the hope that all Taiwan compatriots will firmly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and actively advance the country's peaceful reunification.