▲ The deported Chinese exchange student (center)
A Chinese exchange student studying in Taiwan has been deported and banned from entering the country for the next five years after posting statements on social media claiming that Taiwan's sovereignty has been extinguished.
According to Taiwanese media outlets such as the China Times and the Liberty Times on October 19, a Chinese exchange student surnamed Wang faced the disciplinary action for using inappropriate expressions related to a video featuring Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te at an event held at National Taiwan University on October 12.
Wang posted a staged photo appearing to grab President Lai by the head on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, along with captions stating, "I do not agree with any of the speech contents" and "I resolutely oppose all Taiwan independence forces." Wang also included hashtags such as "Cross-strait reunification," "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China," "Taiwan belongs to China," and "Adhere to the one-China principle," which deny Taiwan's sovereignty.
A Taiwanese netizen who discovered the post captured screenshots and reported it to the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the Taiwanese government agency responsible for mainland China affairs, demanding Wang's deportation.
Startled by the unexpectedly fierce backlash, Wang deleted the post and issued a public apology.
However, following investigations and consultations with relevant agencies including the Ministry of Education and the MAC, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) stated that Wang's actions violated the principles of parity and dignity and caused social unrest. Consequently, the NIA revoked Wang's entry permit on October 15 and deported the student the very next day.
The immigration agency emphasized that while Taiwan is a democratic, free, and open society that respects diverse opinions and supports normal exchanges, "Mainland Chinese visitors to Taiwan must comply with Taiwanese laws and relevant regulations to safeguard national security, social stability, and the order of cross-strait exchanges."
It further stressed that under Article 12 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (Cross-Strait Act), if a mainland Chinese citizen engages in improper behavior that violates the principles of parity and dignity, their entry permit will be revoked and they will be deported, alongside a five-year ban on applying for entry into Taiwan.
(Photo: Captured from Taiwan National Immigration Agency, Yonhap News)
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