Know the reasons for China’s displeasure over Salman Khan’s ‘Battle of Galwan’

Mumbai: There has been a stir in China as soon as the teaser of Bollywood veteran actor Salman Khan’s upcoming film ‘Battle of Galwan’ was released. The teaser has been released on Salman’s 60th birthday, 27 December 2025, and the film is based on the Galwan Valley clash that took place in 2020. In the film, Salman is playing the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who was martyred in this conflict. However, China’s official newspaper Global Times has sharply criticized this film.

Drama and truth: China’s response

Global Times has claimed in an article that this film is misrepresenting the facts. The article says that Bollywood films can provide a mix of entertainment and emotions, but they cannot change historical truths. The film cannot deny China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s steadfastness towards its territorial sovereignty.

Displeasure of Chinese citizens on social media

The newspaper also alleged that the Galwan Valley actually belongs to China and the 2020 clash was a result of provocation by India. Some Chinese citizens have also expressed their displeasure after seeing the teaser of the film. Many social media users called it ‘over-the-top’ and exaggerated, while some mocked Salman’s character as an ‘invincible hero’. It is noteworthy that Salman Khan is very popular in China, his film ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ had achieved tremendous success there. In such a situation, this film may affect his image.

‘Battle of Galwan’ is being directed by Apoorva Lakhia, and Chitrangada Singh will be seen as the lead actress in it. The film is being produced under the banner of Salman Khan Films and will be released in theaters on 17 April 2026. In the teaser, Salman is seen as a courageous officer, who encourages the soldiers and moves towards the enemies. The glimpses of his fight against difficult circumstances have excited the Indian audience, but the film has become the center of controversy in China.