In recent years, some Taiwanese artists, seeking career opportunities in China, have frequently posted slogans and images on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, including slogans such as "One China" and "Oppose Taiwan Independence," and even supported Chinese military exercises against Taiwan. In an interview with the media, Chiu Chui-cheng, Chairman of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, stated that they would work with the Ministry of Culture, the competent authority, to conduct a follow-up investigation into whether these actions violated any laws. He further clarified that Taiwanese actress Ouyang Nana and others are currently under investigation.
On the 15th, Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, Ocean Affairs Council, Mainland Affairs Council, and Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau presented a report to the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee regarding the “impact of China’s complex threats on our national security.”
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) noted that there are currently over 20 Taiwanese artists on the list, and plans to begin investigating those who have participated in CPPCC activities or have explicitly voiced support for the military reunification of Taiwan. For example, last October, Ouyang Nana retweeted a post during China's Joint Sword 2024B military exercise, expressing support for the Chinese Communist Party's military exercises.
Mainland Affairs Council Vice Chairman Shen Youzhong responded to inquiries by stating that Taiwanese artists seeking business opportunities in the Chinese market will be respected. "But we are concerned about whether they are using specific timeframes, coordinating with specific audiences, forwarding specific content, or even amplifying its dissemination to influence public sentiment in Taiwan. This is something the Mainland Affairs Council cannot tolerate."
Shen Youzhong also said that he could not accept artists undermining the country's sovereignty and Taiwan's democratic constitutionalism.
The current legal basis for the relevant penalties comes from Article 33-1 of the Act Governing Cross-Strait Relations: "Taiwanese individuals, legal persons, groups, or other institutions may not engage in any form of cooperation with mainland Chinese political, military, administrative, or political organizations, or organizations involved in Taiwan political work or affecting national security or interests, without the permission of the relevant competent authorities." Violations carry a maximum fine of between NT$100,000 and NT$500,000, with consecutive penalties. However, how will this be implemented? Detailed administrative guidelines have not yet been made public.
With the anniversary of President Lai Ching-te's inauguration approaching, legislator Lee Kun-cheng also stated, "May 20th is approaching, and I believe China may demand that Taiwanese artists make some political statements. I suggest that if a decision is made before May 20th, it should be made public so that artists understand our administrative guidelines and do not cross this red line."
