A Chinese social media influencer known for advocating China’s military unification of Taiwan is facing deportation from the island. Despite receiving an official notice requiring her to leave by Tuesday, the influencer, identified by her surname Liu (劉), has publicly stated that she has “no plan to leave” Taiwan.
The case has ignited controversy, raising concerns over national security, free speech, and cross-strait family separations. While Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) has cited legal violations in its decision to revoke Liu’s residence permit, human rights advocates argue that her deportation will cause irreparable harm to her family, including her three children.
Why is Liu Being Deported?
Liu, who operates a Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok) account named Yaya in Taiwan (亞亞在台灣), reportedly made statements advocating China’s use of military force to annex Taiwan. The NIA cited these statements as a violation of Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, which strictly regulates political speech by Chinese nationals residing in Taiwan.
As a result, the NIA revoked Liu’s family-based residence certificate last week, ruling that her statements amounted to “war propaganda.” The agency set a deadline for her departure, requiring her to leave Taiwan by March 26, 2024.
Liu’s Response: “I Am Not at Fault”
In an interview with TVBS News, Liu denied wrongdoing, claiming that her previous comments were misinterpreted. She insisted that her discussion on “military unification” was merely an analysis of its potential dangers.
- Liu now says she supports “peaceful unification” rather than “military unification” of Taiwan.
- She has not booked a flight out of the country and has stated that she intends to stay.
- She argues that her three children, who are Taiwanese citizens, will suffer emotional harm if she is deported.
Liu’s claims contradict the findings of Taiwan’s immigration authorities, who conducted a formal investigation into her social media activity.
Legal and Political Implications of Liu’s Case
Taiwan’s Immigration Laws on Chinese Nationals
Taiwan has strict legal provisions for Chinese nationals residing on the island, particularly regarding political speech. The Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area prohibits Chinese residents from engaging in political activities that threaten Taiwan’s national security or promote annexation.
The Regulations Governing the Forcible Deportation of the People of the Mainland Area also grant the NIA the authority to detain and forcibly deport individuals who violate these rules.
Court Rulings Against Liu
Liu appealed the deportation order, but on March 22, the Taipei High Administrative Court rejected her appeal, ruling that:
- Her statements qualified as war propaganda and violated Taiwan’s legal restrictions on Chinese residents.
- Her deportation was justified under national security regulations.
On March 25, Liu filed a second appeal with the Supreme Administrative Court, but it is unclear when the case will be reviewed.
Public Reactions and Family Rights Debate
Human Rights Advocates Oppose Liu’s Deportation
The Taiwan International Family Association (TIFA), a New Taipei-based non-governmental organization, has spoken out against Liu’s deportation, arguing that it is an excessive use of government power that could tear apart a cross-strait family.
In a statement, TIFA urged Taiwan’s Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) to revoke the deportation order. The association claims that the NIA acted under public pressure rather than legal necessity.
TIFA and Liu’s family members plan to hold a press conference outside the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) on Tuesday morning to challenge the decision.
Taiwan’s National Security Concerns
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s government has defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of national security in cross-strait relations. Officials argue that allowing Chinese nationals to spread pro-unification rhetoric within Taiwan could undermine its democratic society.
- The NIA has warned that individuals who engage in activities that threaten Taiwan’s sovereignty could face legal consequences, including permanent bans on residence permits.
- Officials stress that the case is about upholding the law, not restricting free speech.
What Happens Next?
Liu’s deportation deadline is March 26, 2024. If she refuses to leave Taiwan:
- She may face forced deportation by the NIA under Taiwan’s immigration laws.
- She could be detained until she boards a flight out of the country.
- If the Supreme Administrative Court rules in her favor, the deportation order may be suspended.
Taiwanese authorities are expected to closely monitor her actions in the coming days.
FAQs
Why is Liu being deported from Taiwan?
Liu is being deported because she violated Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area by advocating for China’s military annexation of Taiwan on her social media account.
What law did Liu break?
She allegedly engaged in war propaganda, which violates Taiwan’s regulations on political activities by Chinese residents.
What happens if Liu does not leave Taiwan by March 26?
If she refuses to leave, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) has the legal right to forcibly deport her. She may also be detained until her deportation.
What is the government’s response?
Taiwan’s government argues that Liu’s social media statements posed a security risk and that she violated laws restricting Chinese political activity in Taiwan.
How does this case affect Taiwan-China relations?
This case highlights the sensitive political climate between Taiwan and China. Taiwan is taking a stricter stance against Chinese residents promoting pro-unification messages.
