The Taiwanese National Immigration Agency has revoked the visa of influencer Liu, urging her to leave the island due to her pro-Beijing rhetoric.
Taiwan Orders Expulsion of Pro-Beijing Influencer Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan Orders Expulsion of Pro-Beijing Influencer Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan takes action against a Chinese influencer advocating for unification with China, reflecting escalating cross-strait tensions.
Taiwanese authorities have taken a significant step by ordering the expulsion of a pro-Beijing influencer, identified only by her surname Liu, who must leave within days or face deportation. This decision follows her repeated postings that support the notion of China reclaiming Taiwan by force, which has raised alarms amidst escalating tensions between the two sides. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) stated that Liu's actions advocate for the end of Taiwan's sovereignty and are incompatible with Taiwanese societal values.
Liu, who is known on social media as Yaya and has a substantial following, had moved to Taiwan on a dependent visa after her marriage to a Taiwanese citizen. She is now required to exit the island by March 24, and her visa revocation will bar her from applying for a new dependent visa for five years. The expulsion of Chinese spouses of Taiwanese nationals is notably rare, illustrating the severity of the situation.
In her videos, Liu openly refers to Taiwan as “Taiwan province,” aligning herself with Beijing's stance, which considers the island a part of China. Her remarks have included the assertion that "the complete unification of the motherland is a necessity, regardless of what the Taiwanese people want," which incited considerable backlash from Taiwanese officials, including Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang.
While she has asserted that her intent was to foster understanding between the two sides and promote positive dialogue, her characterizations of pro-independence advocates as harmful to society have been met with stark criticism. Taiwan’s government has heightened scrutiny of activities by mainland Chinese nationals, especially as it looks to curb perceived Chinese infiltration amid rising geopolitical tensions. Recent measures have been proposed by President Lai Ching-te to manage and monitor cross-strait exchanges, which are viewed as a threat to Taiwan’s democratic integrity.
