Taiwan has revoked the residency permit of a Chinese social media influencer, surnamed Liu, citing national security concerns. Liu, married to a Taiwanese citizen and residing in Taiwan for several years, frequently posted videos on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) under the alias “Yaya in Taiwan,” advocating for Taiwan’s annexation by Beijing.
Contentious Online Activity
In her videos, Liu echoed the Chinese government’s stance that Taiwan is part of China and should be brought under Beijing’s control, even suggesting military action if peaceful unification efforts fail. In one instance, she claimed Taiwan would be reduced to “dust in less than half an hour” if targeted by the Chinese military.
Government’s Response
Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency revoked Liu’s family-based residence permit and barred her from reapplying for residency for five years, marking the first expulsion of a Chinese spouse of a Taiwanese citizen on such grounds. The agency emphasized that advocating for unification by force and promoting war fall outside the scope of free speech and pose threats to national security.
Broader Context
This action aligns with Taiwan’s intensified efforts to counteract pro-China narratives, infiltration, and espionage. The defense ministry has proposed stricter penalties for Taiwanese soldiers spreading Chinese propaganda or pledging allegiance to the enemy, reflecting growing concerns over China’s disinformation and espionage activities aimed at undermining Taiwan’s unity and morale.
In response to the revocation, Liu expressed dissatisfaction, claiming her freedom of speech was being suppressed for expressing patriotic sentiments. However, Taiwanese authorities maintain that promoting violence and forceful unification transcends permissible free speech boundaries and threatens national security.
