In a controversial case that has sparked intense debate, Chinese national Liu Zhenya (劉振亞) voluntarily left Taiwan on Tuesday evening, just hours before a deportation order against her was set to be enforced. Liu, the wife of a Taiwanese citizen, faced deportation after Taiwanese authorities ruled that her social media content promoting China’s military unification of Taiwan posed a national security risk and violated Taiwan’s legal framework governing Chinese residents.
Her departure marks the culmination of a legal battle that has drawn attention to issues of free speech, national security, and Taiwan-China relations.
Liu Zhenya’s Departure from Taiwan
At around 7 p.m. on March 26, 2024, Liu arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport, accompanied by her Taiwanese husband and three children. She was scheduled to board a XiamenAir flight to Fuzhou, China, departing at 8:45 p.m. Her departure came after she initially stated in multiple public appearances that she had “no plans to leave” Taiwan.
After checking in, Liu told reporters that she respected Taiwan’s legal process and wanted to leave on her own terms to avoid legal complications that could affect her future return.
“I don’t want to leave behind a stain that might affect me if I ever wish to return,” she said.
“Right now, I need to leave with a clear name, and I will return with my head held high.”
As Liu made her way to the departure gate, a group of protesters, led by Taiwanese YouTuber Chen Po-yuan (陳柏源), gathered at the airport. They heckled Liu, celebrated her deportation, and sang a song as she walked through the restricted area after hugging her family goodbye.
Why Was Liu Zhenya Ordered to Be Deported?
The deportation order issued against Liu was based on her social media activity, particularly her Douyin (Chinese TikTok) account, “Yaya in Taiwan” (亞亞在台灣), which had nearly 500,000 followers.
Her content often promoted pro-China narratives, but one particular video triggered legal action.
- In a video posted during a Chinese military exercise around Taiwan in May 2023, Liu stated: “Maybe when we wake up tomorrow morning, the island will already be covered with red flags. Just the thought of it makes me happy.”
- Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) ruled that her remarks constituted a violation of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, which allows deportation of Chinese nationals who pose a threat to national security or social stability.
- The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) stated that Liu’s remarks were “not tolerated by Taiwanese society.”
- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan’s top government agency on China relations, said Liu’s statements were not protected under free speech because they could promote war and destabilize Taiwan.
Despite these accusations, Liu rejected claims that she supported military unification, stating that she merely talked about “unification” without specifying military force.
Failed Legal Appeals
Liu attempted to challenge the deportation order through multiple legal appeals, but the courts upheld the decision:
- Taipei High Administrative Court dismissed her appeal, ruling that her social media posts could be interpreted as promoting military unification and war, which goes against Taiwan’s national security interests.
- Taipei High Administrative Court also rejected a last-minute petition from her Taiwanese husband and children, who argued that deporting her was an illegal restriction on political speech.
- The Supreme Administrative Court was still processing her appeal, but the deportation deadline arrived before a ruling was issued.
In response, the MAC emphasized that the case had undergone multiple legal reviews and that Taiwan was acting strictly within the law.
Political and Social Reactions
Government Standpoint
- Taiwanese authorities stressed that Liu’s case was not about free speech, but about a foreign national spreading messages that could destabilize Taiwan.
- MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) stated: “We firmly believe this is not covered by freedom of speech.”
Public and Protest Reactions
- Taiwanese nationalists and pro-democracy groups largely supported the deportation.
- Pro-China supporters criticized the decision, calling it an overreach of free speech laws.
- Online debates reflected the growing polarization over Taiwan’s security policies toward Chinese residents.
What’s Next for Liu Zhenya?
Liu has stated that she hopes to return to Taiwan in the future to reunite with her family. However, her ability to do so will depend on:
- Future Taiwanese immigration decisions
- Her pending Supreme Court appeal
- Taiwan’s cross-strait policies under the next administration
For now, she has returned to Fuzhou, China, where she is expected to continue her pro-China content online.
FAQs
Why was Liu Zhenya deported from Taiwan?
Liu was deported for violating Taiwan’s security laws by posting social media content advocating for China’s military unification of Taiwan, which authorities deemed a threat to national security and social stability.
Did Liu break any specific law in Taiwan?
Yes. Under the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, a Chinese national can be deported if they are considered a threat to national security or social stability based on sufficient facts.
Did Liu try to fight the deportation legally?
Yes. Liu appealed the decision in Taiwan’s courts, but her appeal was denied.
Can Liu return to Taiwan in the future?
It depends. If the National Immigration Agency (NIA) deems her a continued security risk, she may be permanently banned from re-entering Taiwan.
How did Taiwan’s public react to Liu’s deportation?
Opinions were divided. Some supported the government’s decision, citing national security concerns, while others believed it restricted free speech.
