Ariel Lin urges understanding amid identity controversy

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Actress Ariel Lin (林依晨) on Friday (Sept. 6) expressed that she felt a connection to Chengdu, Taipei, and Yilan due to her grandparents' origins and urged understanding from the public.

The actress's comments on a Chinese program sparked controversy. Lin declared, "I'm from Chengdu (我是成都人)," explaining her grandfather's Chengdu roots and her familiarity with the Sichuan dialect (四川話).

This incident is not Lin's first brush with national identity disputes. In 2015, Chinese netizens criticized her for identifying as a "Taiwanese actress" at a South Korean awards ceremony.

Lin responded diplomatically at the time, acknowledging historical wounds and advocating for goodwill and a better future. Her stance resonated with many in Taiwan, who appreciated her nuanced approach to a sensitive issue.

Taiwanese artists' political positions and national identity statements in mainland China often spark debates. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has expressed empathy for the pressures faced by these cultural workers and urged public understanding. Meanwhile, China's Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (國務院台灣事務辦公室) described such expressions as natural and genuine.