[War & Business] Mulan and the Belt and Road Initiative

The appearance of Liu Yifei, who played the protagonist Mulan in the movie 'Mulan'
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Walt Disney Company's film "Mulan" has emerged as a new issue in the US-China dispute. By including a thank-you note in the ending credits to the Public Security Bureau of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China for sponsoring the filming locations, the movie has become a target of boycott not only in the United States but also by human rights organizations worldwide.

Recognizing international public opinion, China has prohibited reports on the release of Mulan, but already 40% of the theaters are filled with Mulan screenings. The story of Mulan was already made into a film in China in 2016 and was popularized as a drama in Taiwan in 1994, making it a well-covered subject, yet promotional efforts are being intensified. This is because, although Mulan is not a historical figure, she is treated as a figure of special significance in China.

The story of Mulan originates from the ancient poem "Ballad of Mulan," which depicts the life of a fictional character named "Mulan" from folk tales during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period of 5th century China. The basic plot is the same: she disguised herself as a man to take her father's place in the army and achieved military merit. However, different versions exist depending on the region, with variations in her birth period, location, and storyline.

Depending on the version, she appears as a figure from the Western Han Dynasty in the 1st century BCE or as a character active 700 years later during the Sui or Tang Dynasties in the 7th century CE. Some versions include side stories where she participated in the 612 CE Goguryeo campaign under Emperor Yang of Sui and fought alongside Eulji Mundeok in the Battle of Salsu. There are even tales that she conquered East Asia for 12 years, became a general, and was executed by the emperor after being discovered.

Although portrayed as a figure from various eras, the Chinese dynasties associated with her activities share a common trait: they were conquering dynasties that expanded into Central Asia along the Silk Road after unifying China. Mulan, born during the Han Dynasty, was conscripted during Emperor Wu's campaign against the Xiongnu and went on an expedition to Central Asia, earning military merit. The Mulan of the Sui and Tang Dynasties is depicted as a figure who not only participated in the Goguryeo campaign but also in the Turkic campaigns in Central Asia, achieving great feats. Thus, she is seen not only as a filial daughter who disguised herself as a man but also as a fierce general who led the expansion into Central Asia.

Looking at the regions where Mulan was mainly active on the map, they include the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the west, as well as areas of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. These are the regions where China is currently heavily investing in infrastructure such as roads and railways as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (一帶一路, the overland and maritime Silk Road). There is a significant reason why China allowed the sensitive Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to be used as a filming location for a Hollywood movie.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.