In a significant development reflective of escalating cross-strait tensions, Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) has mandated the expulsion of a pro-Beijing influencer, known as Liu or Yaya, who must depart the island by March 24 or face deportation. This action stems from her public advocacy for the idea of China's forceful unification with Taiwan, which is viewed as a direct threat to Taiwan's sovereignty. Liu, a Chinese national married to a Taiwanese citizen, has gained notoriety for her pro-Beijing commentary videos on social media, where she refers to Taiwan as a “province” of China. The NIA characterized Liu's behavior as advocating for the elimination of Taiwan's sovereignty, a position firmly rejected in Taiwanese society. With her visa revoked, Liu will be barred from applying for another dependent visa for five years. Taiwan's leaders have voiced strong opposition to her statements, with the interior minister emphasizing that freedom of speech cannot condone calls for invasion. Liu is part of a larger community of 360,000 mainland Chinese spouses in Taiwan, whose sentiments and activities have increasingly come under scrutiny amid rising fears of Chinese infiltration and influence operations. This incident underscores Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty in the face of external pressures, especially as President Lai Ching-te announced new measures to tighten controls over cross-strait exchanges.
Taiwan Expels Pro-Beijing Influencer Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan Expels Pro-Beijing Influencer Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency has revoked the visa of a Chinese influencer advocating for Beijing's claims over the island, a move highlighting growing concerns over Chinese influence.
Taiwan Expels Pro-Beijing Influencer Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency has revoked the visa of a Chinese influencer advocating for Beijing's claims over the island, a move highlighting growing concerns over Chinese influence.
In a significant development reflective of escalating cross-strait tensions, Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) has mandated the expulsion of a pro-Beijing influencer, known as Liu or Yaya, who must depart the island by March 24 or face deportation. This action stems from her public advocacy for the idea of China's forceful unification with Taiwan, which is viewed as a direct threat to Taiwan's sovereignty. Liu, a Chinese national married to a Taiwanese citizen, has gained notoriety for her pro-Beijing commentary videos on social media, where she refers to Taiwan as a “province” of China. The NIA characterized Liu's behavior as advocating for the elimination of Taiwan's sovereignty, a position firmly rejected in Taiwanese society. With her visa revoked, Liu will be barred from applying for another dependent visa for five years. Taiwan's leaders have voiced strong opposition to her statements, with the interior minister emphasizing that freedom of speech cannot condone calls for invasion. Liu is part of a larger community of 360,000 mainland Chinese spouses in Taiwan, whose sentiments and activities have increasingly come under scrutiny amid rising fears of Chinese infiltration and influence operations. This incident underscores Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty in the face of external pressures, especially as President Lai Ching-te announced new measures to tighten controls over cross-strait exchanges.
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency has revoked the visa of a Chinese influencer advocating for Beijing's claims over the island, a move highlighting growing concerns over Chinese influence.
In a significant development reflective of escalating cross-strait tensions, Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) has mandated the expulsion of a pro-Beijing influencer, known as Liu or Yaya, who must depart the island by March 24 or face deportation. This action stems from her public advocacy for the idea of China's forceful unification with Taiwan, which is viewed as a direct threat to Taiwan's sovereignty. Liu, a Chinese national married to a Taiwanese citizen, has gained notoriety for her pro-Beijing commentary videos on social media, where she refers to Taiwan as a “province” of China. The NIA characterized Liu's behavior as advocating for the elimination of Taiwan's sovereignty, a position firmly rejected in Taiwanese society. With her visa revoked, Liu will be barred from applying for another dependent visa for five years. Taiwan's leaders have voiced strong opposition to her statements, with the interior minister emphasizing that freedom of speech cannot condone calls for invasion. Liu is part of a larger community of 360,000 mainland Chinese spouses in Taiwan, whose sentiments and activities have increasingly come under scrutiny amid rising fears of Chinese infiltration and influence operations. This incident underscores Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty in the face of external pressures, especially as President Lai Ching-te announced new measures to tighten controls over cross-strait exchanges.
