Hit TV series sparks wave of remembrance, patriotism

A hit TV series based on the reallife stories of Communist Party of China undercover agents in Taiwan has sparked a wave of remembrance and patriotism across the country.

Silent Honor, which aired on CCTV-8, achieved record viewership, with a peak rating of 3.07 percent, making it the drama to most quickly surpass the 3 percent mark in 2025.

The drama depicts underground struggles in Taiwan before and after the founding of the People's Republic of China, highlighting the sacrifices made by the brave individuals, including Wu Shi, a military strategist who risked his life to provide crucial intelligence to the CPC.

Following the series' popularity, Wu's former residence, a wooden structure in Luozhou township in suburban Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, has seen an influx of tourists.

Some have left behind photos of China's advanced military equipment, including the DF-5C missile, and a commemorative hat from the aircraft carrier CNS Fujian, as a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country's reunification.

Wu Zengying, a tour guide at the site, said, "Visitors left these to tell the martyrs that the motherland is growing stronger, just as they wished."

Wu Bo, one of the visitors, said, "Wu Shi could have stayed in Fuzhou — choosing to go to Taiwan meant risking his life. Between personal safety and national duty, he made a heroic choice."

Yang Li, another visitor, added, "My friends are discussing the drama, but many say they can't bear to watch it because the ending is heartbreaking. The general was executed after about a year in Taiwan."

Wang Ying, a volunteer from the Fujian Provincial Martyr Memorial Facilities Protection Center, distributes biographical materials about Wu at the site to help visitors understand his life and contributions.

"The visitors hope for the early reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and it's what brings many here with such anticipation," she said.

The TV series has also caught the attention of Taiwan-based media and political commentators.

Around 1949, when the Chiang Kai-shek authorities retreated to Taiwan, the CPC sent about 1,500 members and progressives secretly to the island to work toward its liberation. However, due to informants, more than 1,100 were killed, with many remaining nameless.

Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said recently in Beijing that the famous line — "If I shall go there and never return, then let it be," spoken by Wu in the drama, embodies the fearless spirit of Chinese Communists who dedicated themselves without hesitation to the people's liberation and national reunification.

"The unwavering loyalty, relentless struggle, and ultimate sacrifice of these martyrs will never be forgotten by the people or by history," he said, which will inspire compatriots across the Taiwan Strait to strive for the complete reunification of the motherland.

Yang Jie contributed to this story.