TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A man dressed as Winnie the Pooh disrupted the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum (台北上海城市論壇) on Tuesday (Dec. 17) at the Regent Taipei (晶華酒店), protesting against Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平). Police quickly intervened and escorted the man and his two companions, who held signs critical of Xi, out of the venue.
The protester, refusing to disclose affiliations, told the media he was an ordinary citizen expressing his views. The group then left the scene on foot. The choice of a Winnie the Pooh costume holds particular significance, as many use the character to mock Xi's public image, a comparison the Chinese government deems disrespectful.
The Taipei City Government hosted the 15th annual forum, where groups such as the New Power Party (時代力量), Taiwan Statebuilding Party (台灣基進), and Green Party Taiwan (綠黨) protested outside. They departed by 9:15 a.m. Other demonstrators displayed banners urging China to respect Taiwan's sovereignty and cease military provocations.