Taiwan deports influencer for supporting China's invasion plans

Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China, recently took a strong stance against Chinese influencers whose social media activities are perceived as threats to national security. On March 25, 2025, Taiwan deported Liu Zhenya, a Chinese influencer known as 'Yaya in Taiwan,' who expressed support for China's military intentions towards the island. Liu’s deportation reflects Taiwan’s pro-independence administration under President William Lai Ching-te, which has adopted a firmer approach in countering China’s propaganda efforts. The Interior Ministry justified Liu's removal on the grounds that her actions threatened social stability in Taiwan. Liu Zhenya, who is married to a Taiwanese citizen and has three children, claimed that her posts were often misinterpreted and intended to garner attention for her business. Despite her assertions that she meant no political harm and was merely trying to connect with Chinese customers, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency labeled her remarks as ‘war propaganda.’ Liu organized protests before her deportation, claiming that the government’s actions infringed on her rights and expressing concern for her family’s future given the mandatory five-year wait to reapply for residency in Taiwan. The incident has attracted public scrutiny, with many Taiwanese showing strong opposition to any endorsement of Chinese military actions against Taiwan. Demonstrators supporting Liu's deportation voiced their disapproval of her statements and called for strict enforcement of Taiwan’s national security laws. This event is set against a backdrop of increasing tensions between Taiwan and China, which has been ramping up its military capabilities in a bid to assert control over Taiwan. The Taiwanese government, emphasizing its commitment to national integrity and security, has invoked legal precedents suggesting limits on free speech, particularly when such speech is interpreted as advocating war. This case not only raises questions about freedom of expression in Taiwan but also highlights the delicate balance between personal rights and national security in a region fraught with geopolitical tensions.