Taipei, Taiwan – The National Immigration Agency (NIA) confirmed on Sunday that a Chinese national who publicly advocated for China’s military annexation of Taiwan will face forcible deportation if she does not leave within the timeframe stated in her deportation order.
The woman, identified by her surname Liu (劉), is known online by her social media handle “Yaya in Taiwan” (亞亞在台灣) and had gained nearly 400,000 followers on the Taiwanese version of Douyin (the Chinese equivalent of TikTok).
Liu’s residence permit was revoked by the Taiwanese authorities due to her online statements, in which she called for China to use military force to “unify” Taiwan. The government deemed her remarks a violation of Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, which allows for the deportation of individuals deemed a threat to national security.
Violation of Taiwan’s Sovereignty
Liu’s controversial comments, posted on Douyin, triggered widespread backlash among Taiwanese netizens and government officials. In her videos, she downplayed Taiwan’s sovereignty, insisted that China had the right to take Taiwan by force, and promoted Beijing’s political agenda.
According to the NIA’s statement, Liu’s statements were not only unacceptable to Taiwanese society but also constituted a direct violation of Taiwan’s immigration laws.
“Liu’s remarks advocated the elimination of our country’s sovereignty, which is not tolerated by our society,” the NIA stated.
Legal Basis for Deportation
Under the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, a Chinese national residing in Taiwan can be ordered to leave within 10 days or face forced deportation if they are deemed a threat to national or social stability.
In addition to revoking her residence permit, the NIA confirmed that Liu will be banned from reapplying for residency in Taiwan for the next five years.
The agency denied Liu’s claim that she had been granted a six-month stay to accompany her children, stating that no such approval had ever been given.
Taiwan’s Growing Concerns Over Chinese Influence
Liu’s case has sparked national security concerns in Taiwan, where the government is increasingly wary of Chinese influence through social media and propaganda.
Over the past few years, Taiwan has tightened laws on Chinese nationals residing in the country, particularly those who spread pro-Beijing narratives or attempt to influence Taiwanese public opinion.
The incident comes at a time of heightened cross-strait tensions, as Beijing continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, while Taiwan strengthens its defense measures against potential military threats.
Government’s Firm Stance
The Taiwanese government’s swift action against Liu demonstrates its firm stance on protecting national security. The NIA reiterated that individuals who publicly undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty will not be allowed to stay in the country.
Although Liu has not made any public comments regarding her deportation order, legal experts suggest that she will have no legal recourse to challenge her removal, given the clear violations of Taiwan’s immigration laws.
This case serves as a warning to other foreign nationals residing in Taiwan that any actions deemed detrimental to national security will be met with strict consequences.
FAQs
Why is Liu being deported from Taiwan?
Liu is being deported for publicly advocating for China’s military annexation of Taiwan, which violates Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.
How long does Liu have to leave Taiwan?
She has 10 days from the issuance of her deportation order to leave voluntarily. If she fails to do so, she will be forcibly deported.
Will Liu be allowed to return to Taiwan in the future?
No. Liu has been banned from applying for family-based residency for five years due to her violations.
What law allows Taiwan to deport Liu?
Her deportation falls under Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, which permits removal of Chinese nationals who pose a threat to national or social stability.
What impact does this case have on cross-strait relations?
While this case may increase political tensions between Taiwan and China, Taiwan remains firm in its stance against Chinese influence and propaganda within its borders.
