TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Chinese woman's controversial social media statements supporting military unification with Taiwan have cost her the right to remain in the country she calls home. Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (移民署) announced Monday (March 11) that it will revoke the dependent residence permit of the woman, identified only by her surname Liu, following an investigation into content posted on her popular TikTok channel.
Liu, who operates the account "Yaya in Taiwan" (亞亞在台灣) with over 400,000 followers, came under scrutiny after viewers reported her for making statements that immigration officials ultimately determined posed "potential threats to national security or social stability."
The investigation centered on Liu's assertion that "mainland China's military unification with Taiwan no longer needs any other justification" – a comment that triggered alarm among viewers and prompted official action. During a three-hour questioning session, immigration officials probed Liu's family background, her motivations for creating videos, and whether she was acting under instructions from Chinese authorities.
Liu later claimed the questioning "turned into an interrogation" and defended her statements as personal opinions with no intent to intimidate. During a subsequent livestream, she expressed hope for peaceful cross-strait relations and accused the immigration agency of "violating freedom of speech" – an allegation the agency firmly rejected as "completely fabricated."
The decision has sparked debate about the boundaries of free expression in Taiwan. Kuei Hung-chen (桂宏誠), chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (民主文教基金會), criticized the agency's action, arguing that Liu's comments would not cause significant social panic and that the revocation infringed upon freedom of expression.
Immigration officials cited Article 14, Paragraph 1, Item 4 of the "Regulations Governing Dependent Residence, Long-Term Residence, and Permanent Residence of People from Mainland China in Taiwan" as grounds for the revocation. The decision means Liu will be barred from applying for dependent residence for up to five years.
The case has taken on additional complexity due to Liu's family situation. With children in Taiwan requiring care, immigration officials plan to conduct a follow-up interview to arrange her departure based on family needs, though the decision potentially leaves her facing separation from her family.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) addressed the situation by stating that while Taiwan welcomes Chinese spouses who care for Taiwan, they must abide by local laws. He emphasized that individuals potentially endangering national security would be investigated and handled according to established legal procedures.