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Joyce is a student who pursues information and international security at King’s College in London, in the United Kingdom. With a great interest in East Asia, Joyce also plunges into the field of political economy.
Latest articles by Joyce Lok Yiu Lo (see everything))
Tensions between China and Taiwan have been simmering for decades, the Communist Party leader of China (CCC) constantly affirming Taiwan being part of its territory. Tensions have increased sharply when the candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lai Ching- te (賴清德), assures the president of Taiwan. Following his elections, propaganda waves and Beijing threats emerged. Observers noted that Beijing propaganda has evolved and multifaceted, with a particular accent on targeting young Taiwanese.
In Beijing’s eyes, the DPP advocates independence. Only three days after the inauguration of Lai, China carried out a large -scale military exercise around Taiwan, appointed by code Joint sword-2024a. Chinese media and state officials described the exercise as a “Punishment” for Taiwan separatists “.
Far from the military threats that hold the headlines, Beijing has increasingly exploited its soft power to influence Taiwan.
Le leader chinois Xi Jin-Ping (習近平 習近平 習近平) a renforcé le rôle du département des travaux du Front United. Target the base of Taiwanese societyBeijing cultivated elected officials at the village level, refined festivals, temple societies and even triad gangs. In addition, the department organized Travel and exchange events aimed at promoting Chinese patriotism and promoting unification among Taiwanese young people. While Beijing affirms that these events are simply cultural and intended to feed the patriotism of young Taiwanese, many remain skeptical.
Beijing propaganda in Taiwan Entertainment
Beijing’s approach has become more assertive. Their strength in propaganda has become more important since the new Taiwan elections at the start of the year. After the inauguration of Lai, Dozens of Taiwanese artists and actors Approved the territorial claim of Beijing by retweeting a media post of Chinese state supporting a possible “unification”.
Mayday, a popular group loved by Taiwanese, its main singer Ashin (阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 阿信 à à Benit à Beijin. The benchmark as Chinese instead of Taiwanese sparked immediate anger at home. Likewise, the Taiwanese diva pop Jolin Tsai (蔡依林 蔡依林) said during a concert in the city of Nanchang, “We, Nanchang in China, are the most passionate.” These statements have sparked an intense discussion between Internet users and many Taiwanese are upset on such a declaration.
To find out more: “The celebrities of Taiwan in the cross fires of the political battle while tensions with China increase”,, Cnn
Taiwanese legislator Lee yen-hsiu (李彥秀), said that Beijing’s pressure on artists to make political declarations does not help to build the good will between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. This decision is considered a clear response to the inauguration of Lai.
China’s subtle influence: new propaganda approach
Chinese influence in the entertainment industry and cultural exchange events has long been a common form of propaganda. Beijing’s attempt to spread propaganda via artists now extends to online influencers, such as YouTubers. This diversification of tactics to include influence marketing allows China to subtly integrate its messages into daily content that people consume.
Beyond its subtlety, this approach targets a key demography: Taiwanese youth. Growing number of people in TaiwanIn particular the young generation, consider themselves to be clearly Taiwanese and did not want to be part of China. The use of social media influencers could subtly shape their perceptions and attitudes, words from their favorite youtubers.
“Beijing using influencers to have an impact on Taiwanese society is a strategic decision.”
Chen Yi-NingDean of the Communication College at the National University of Chengchi
To find out more: “Taiwan: the World Report on the influence of the Beijing 2022 media“”,, Liberty House
Taiwanese influencers: the new spokesperson for China?
(Warning: The image is included in the Wikimedia Commons database and was not subject to modifications. The author is Raillicensed under the Creative municipalities Allocation on the part of the international license).
An important example is Zhong Ming-Xuan (鍾明軒), a Taiwanese influencer with more than a million followers. Zhong, has become well known to be a political frank and supported the rights of homosexuals. Zhong has further strengthened its popularity by collaborating with former Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-Wen (蔡英文), DDP. Attract many young Taiwanese fans and build a pro-Taiwan image.
However, in recent months, Zhong frequently went to China, producing and publishing videos. In its content, he explains how the “Taiwanese are also part of the Chinese nation” and made comments on the “unacceptable” state of mind concerning the Tiananmen Square incident when he responded to the readers. These statements have triggered animated debates on Taiwanese social media. Internet users wonder if Zhong has become a partner in Beijing external propaganda efforts.
Followed by these developments, youtuber Potter (波特王) revealed that the Chinese government has paid creators of Taiwanese content to go to China and produce videos favorable to Beijing. “From next month, people will start to see videos of Taiwanese YouTubers and other content creators going to attractions and historic sites in China, sharing positive opinions from their experiences to promote China with young Taiwanese”, ” He said. “About 10 production teams for certain well -known youtubers participate in the campaign.”
Immediately, a “witch hunt” occurred, Internet users trying to identify the people involved in the Beijing program. Many influencers have joined the debate, accusing Potter King of making without foundation without direct evidence. Despite this, some Taiwanese influencers have admitted They have already received invitations from China. Inviting them to participate in what is suspected of being part of a United Front campaign. This leads to a heated debate in Taiwan among political figures. Bring the question of Taiwanese influencers potentially involved in the cultural propaganda efforts of China under the spotlight.
Although the propaganda of the Beijing War is not new, why is Taiwanese society particularly concerned this time?
Part of the reason is that the use of influencers to target Young Taiwanese is less coercive and more subtle. China’s soft power tactics have become multiple, unlike the past when they have mainly targeted the older generation or spiritual followers. By presenting the positivity of China, the commentator worries that these efforts can lure Young Taiwanese. China aims to create a favorable environment for its reunification objective with Taiwan. The recent Bluebird movement in Taiwan can offer some information on such an increase in Taiwanese society.
The Chinese factor in the BlueBird movement
THE Blue bird movement (青鳥行動) is the most recent large -scale social demonstration in Taiwan since the sunflower movement in 2014. After the elections, the Kuomintang opposition (KMT), in partnership with the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), won more seats in the legislative yuan. The protests of the Bluebird movement were a response to a set of bills reforming legislative power, has hastily adopted by the legislative yuan. The KMT rejected the demonstrations and criticized international observers for their lack of understanding of Taiwanese policy.
To find out more about the Taiwan election in 2024: “Taiwan elections in 2024: results and implications“”,, Center for Strategic and International Relations
Controversial reforms grant legislative surveillance more surveillance and investigation powers. Criticism Make argue that the legislation is unconstitutional, violates civil freedoms and targets the incoming administration. The bills contain vague definitions and allow compulsory assignment to legislative hearings without the right to a legal advisor. The manifestations were not simply against the perceived lack of transparency in the adoption of laws but also against broader implications.
Given that the KMT is deemed to be pro-china, some consider these legislative changes as a blue Pan power recalling actions dating back to the authoritarian period, potentially influenced by China. Criticism argue that these movements erode the democratic value and sovereignty of Taiwan. This could also serve the interests of China. The movement Against the power intake of the Pan-Bleu camp was gradually called the Bluebird movement.
Beijing recent tactics to exert an influence on Taiwan have evolved to become more multifaceted and strategic. The controversy surrounding the use of influencers and the broader implications of these methods underline the continuous struggle for Taiwan’s sovereignty in the middle of persistent external pressures.
- To what extent would the Beijing propaganda approach be effective?
- How should Taiwan approach the influence of Beijing’s propaganda efforts on his youth?
- How can we distinguish authentic cultural exchanges and propaganda?
Suggested readings:
China turns a “web” of influence campaigns to win Taiwan, Erin Hale, Al Jazeera, June 13, 2023
“”How would China arm the disinformation against Taiwan in a cross conflict? “, Scott W. HarolD, Rand, April 15, 2024
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