Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council: "Do Not Become Tools of Communist Propaganda"
Warning Against the "United Front Strategy" Ahead of China's Military Parade
The Taiwanese government has issued a warning to its celebrities, urging them not to participate in or support Chinese propaganda activities. This move is seen as targeting the upcoming military parade to be held in Beijing, China next week.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on August 26 (local time), Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, the agency responsible for cross-strait relations, made this statement ahead of the September 3 military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. The council stated, “Taiwanese celebrities working in mainland China must comply with cross-strait regulations, be mindful of public opinion, and, in particular, refrain from supporting Communist Party propaganda activities such as the September 3 parade.”
Chairman Chiu Chui-cheng emphasized, “Celebrities must protect Taiwan’s image, dignity, and collective interests,” and stressed that they should not support or endorse any remarks that belittle or undermine Taiwan.
While Taiwanese authorities have generally taken a relatively tolerant stance toward celebrities’ political statements based on the principle of freedom of expression, they have recently tightened scrutiny of Taiwanese figures active in China amid rising cross-strait tensions. SCMP pointed out, “The authorities are concerned about the expansion and infiltration of Chinese influence.”
Currently, at least 20 celebrities are under investigation for allegedly sharing posts from Chinese state media or endorsing statements made by Chinese authorities. This investigation follows an incident in March, when, shortly after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated, “Taiwan is not a country and never can be,” a number of famous Taiwanese celebrities-including Ouyang Nana, Chao Ming, Patty Hou, Chen Zhao, Michelle Chen, and Wang Jiro-shared propaganda images containing the phrase, “Taiwan must return to China.”
Chairman Chiu stated that more than 10 celebrities have responded to the government’s investigation, and that the Ministry of Culture will continue to review whether the remaining celebrities have cooperated with the Chinese Communist Party’s united front strategy-a political and social influence expansion strategy. He added, “The results of the investigation will be made public as soon as they are confirmed.”
In its statement, the council also urged the general public not to attend the commemorative events in Beijing, warning, “Do not fall into the trap of the united front.”
Previously, on August 14, the council announced a ban on attending the parade and related events for all public officials, former vice-minister-level officials, retired generals of major general rank or higher, and heads of intelligence agencies. Violations will be subject to penalties such as fines, suspension or revocation of pensions, and confiscation of medals.
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