What a historical smash hit tells us about China’s strategic focus
South China Morning Post
by Chow Chung-yanMarch 4, 2026
As the world watches in horror at death raining from the skies in the Middle East, millions of Chinese are glued to the television watching a turbulent drama that unfolded in their own country, albeit some eleven centuries ago.
Swords into Ploughshares, a historical TV drama set during the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, has emerged as an unexpected smash hit coming into China’s festive season.
Yet it is more than just a television phenomenon. In some ways, it sheds light on the...
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/4/2026