Taiwan Takes Firm Stand Against Pro-Beijing Influencer Amid Rising Tensions

In a dramatic escalation of cross-strait tensions, Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) has ordered a pro-Beijing influencer, known as Yaya, to leave the island or face deportation within days. The influencer has gained notoriety for her videos that advocate for Taiwan's annexation by China, a sentiment described as "intolerable" by Taiwanese officials. Yaya, whose real surname is Liu, moved to Taiwan on a dependent visa after marrying a local, but her online comments sparked significant backlash, leading authorities to take swift action against her residency status.

Yaya regularly publishes pro-Beijing commentary videos on social media, frequently referring to Taiwan as “Taiwan province” and aligning her narrative with China's hardline stance on Taiwan's sovereignty. One viral video featured her asserting that peaceful reunification was more challenging than unification by force and questioned the Taiwanese people's desire for independence. The Minister of the Interior, Liu Shyh-fang, condemned her remarks, stating that freedom of speech cannot be invoked to justify calls for invasion. Following global attention on the situation, Taiwanese lawmakers and activists voiced fears of increasing Chinese influence on the island.

The NIA confirmed that Liu must vacate Taiwan by March 24, with a five-year ban on reapplying for her dependent visa. This case exemplifies the growing concern among Taiwanese authorities regarding Chinese spouses and their potential role in China’s influence strategies, particularly as Taiwan aims to bolster its defenses against perceived threats from the mainland. President Lai Ching-te has mandated more robust measures to mitigate these influences amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, reinforcing Taiwan's commitment to its sovereignty and democratic principles.