Taiwan Revokes Visa of Pro-Beijing Influencer Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan has revoked the visa of Chinese influencer Liu, known as Yaya, after her pro-Beijing videos suggested forceful annexation of Taiwan. Liu has until March 24 to leave, with a five-year ban on reapplying for another dependent visa. This action is part of Taiwan’s measures to combat Chinese influence amid heightened tensions between the two regions.
Taiwanese authorities have mandated that a Chinese influencer, who had previously supported aggressive Chinese assertions over Taiwan, must vacate the island within a specified timeframe or face deportation. This directive is situated against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Taiwan and China, coupled with growing concerns over Chinese influence activities on the democratic island.
The National Immigration Agency (NIA) of Taiwan officially revoked the influencer’s visa, stating that her actions promote the negation of Taiwan’s sovereignty, which is unacceptable in the Taiwanese context.
The individual, identified only by her surname Liu, had moved from mainland China to Taiwan following her marriage to a Taiwanese national and currently resides on a dependent visa. Local reports indicate that Liu is required to exit Taiwan by March 24, after which her categorical ineligibility to obtain another dependent visa would extend for five years.
Known as Yaya on social media platforms, Liu frequently shares pro-Beijing commentary alongside her child, referring to Taiwan as “Taiwan province” and aligning with the Chinese government’s narrative regarding Taiwan’s territorial status. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out potentially using force to assert control over it. Conversely, Taiwan asserts its distinct sovereignty.
In one of her Douyin videos, Liu stated, “The complete unification of the motherland is a necessity, regardless of what the Taiwanese people want.” She also expressed the view that “peaceful unification is much harder than unification by force,” contingent upon the Taiwanese populace’s decisions.
Amid increasing backlash against her viewpoints, Liu remarked in February that she “would never back down.” She articulated her intention to promote both sides’ perspectives and eliminate societal divides through her video content, maintaining that she simply aims to provide an objective analysis of the situation.
Taiwan’s authorities have condemned Liu’s statements, particularly Taiwan’s Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang, who emphasized that freedom of speech does not confer the right to incite actions aimed at invading Taiwan. Liu is among over 400,000 Chinese spouses residing in Taiwan, whose activities have come under rigorous examination amid rising cross-strait tensions.
In response to these ongoing issues, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced stringent measures to avoid Chinese infiltration and influence within the island, advocating for tighter controls over cross-strait exchanges, which are perceived by China as mechanisms to foster internal discord in Taiwan.
In conclusion, the revocation of the Chinese influencer’s visa underscores Taiwan’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty amidst rising concerns over external influence. The National Immigration Agency’s actions reflect a broader strategy to address escalating cross-strait tensions. The situation highlights the complex interplay of identity, governance, and political narratives surrounding Taiwan and its relationship with China.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
Post Comment