Taiwan Deports Influencer Promoting China's "Military Unification"

The expulsion of a Chinese national sparks debate on free speech and cross-strait relations.

Taipei, April 1st – In a move highlighting the complexities of cross-strait relations, Taiwan authorities forcibly deported a Chinese national, known online as Xiao Wei (小微), on Tuesday. Her deportation stems from social media posts advocating for China's "military unification" with Taiwan, leading to the revocation of her family-based residence permit.

Xiao Wei, who utilized the Chinese social media platform Douyin, boarded a flight to Guangzhou from Taoyuan International Airport at 2:10 p.m. Immigration officials escorted her to the airport following her reporting to the National Immigration Agency (NIA).

At the airport, Xiao Wei voiced her dissent, stating, "There's nothing wrong with being a dignified Chinese citizen. The Taiwan authorities are forcibly deporting me. Is it wrong to love my family and my country?"

The NIA cited Xiao Wei's repeated promotion of China's military takeover of Taiwan on Douyin as the reason for revoking her residency. The NIA had previously issued a press release on March 21st, highlighting several online videos that included provocative remarks, such as, "The streets of Taiwan are filled with the Five-Star Red Flag" (the Chinese national flag).

Ordered to leave Taiwan within ten days, Xiao Wei's refusal to comply led to a deportation review meeting and the subsequent forced removal.

Meanwhile, Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), the head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), emphasized the government's respect for the NIA's legal decisions. However, he also urged the public to be more inclusive and supportive, particularly towards Chinese spouses and other new immigrants.

"The small number of Chinese spouses who have made inappropriate remarks should not affect other new immigrants who identify with and care for Taiwan," he stated.

Xiao Wei's deportation follows the recent cases of two other Chinese nationals, En Qi (恩綺) and Liu Zhenya (劉振亞), who also had their residency status revoked in March for similar content advocating for "military unification." En Qi and Liu Zhenya had previously departed Taiwan on March 31st and March 25th respectively.

The NIA reiterated its commitment to taking strong legal action against any foreign nationals publicly advocating for the invasion or elimination of Taiwan's sovereignty.