Hong Kong film authorities have chosen anti-terrorism action film "Operation Red Sea" as its Oscar submission for the Best Foreign Language Film award, the film's official weibo announced on Monday.

The film surrounds a rescue operation launched by Chinese naval special forces in a northern African country who become involved in fierce battles with rebels and terrorists.

"I'm honored that 'Operation Red Sea' has received such recognition. I would like to thank for all the supports of the film and once again thank my team members," wrote director Dante Lam in a message on his weibo account.

"Operation Red Sea" is loosely based on the Chinese Navy's evacuation of hundreds of Chinese citizens and foreigners from war-torn Yemen in 2015.

The film topped the Chinese box office with 3.65 billion yuan in revenues after debuting in February. It has remained China's top earner of this year so far, and is the second highest grossing film of all time in the country.

Among other Asian films also entering the fray for the Best Foreign Language Film are Japanese film "Shoplifters," South Korean film "Burning," as well as "The Great Buddha+" out of Taiwan.