TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A legislator from Taiwan's ruling party has sounded alarms about cultural events where expressions of Taiwanese identity are reportedly being suppressed. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Legislator Ngalim Tiunn (張雅琳) voiced concerns during a Thursday (May 15) legislative session about fan gatherings where attendees face prohibitions against displaying items bearing the word "Taiwan" (台灣).
Speaking before the Foreign and National Defense Committee (外交及國防委員會), a key parliamentary security oversight body, Tiunn detailed troubling instances where organizers have explicitly banned Taiwan-related signage or supportive paraphernalia at public gatherings. She further noted that promotional materials for certain fan meet-and-greet events have adopted the politically charged designation "China Taiwan" (中國台灣), a term that implies Taiwan is part of China rather than a self-governing entity.
Security officials characterized these incidents as part of a broader influence campaign. Huang Ming-chao (黃明昭), deputy director of the National Security Bureau (國家安全局), Taiwan's primary intelligence agency, classified the restrictions as "cultural united front tactics" — a reference to China's soft power strategies aimed at advancing reunification goals. The intelligence chief pledged to gather information on these activities and coordinate with appropriate government branches. Shen Yu-chung (沈有忠), deputy minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 大陸委員會), Taiwan's agency handling relations with China, revealed that authorities are considering venue inspections and possible monitoring operations.
The MAC deputy minister outlined potential enforcement measures against those promoting politically sensitive messaging at public events. Shen stated that authorities would pursue deportation of individuals responsible for displaying "inappropriate slogans or signs," but emphasized that such actions would require substantiating evidence like video or audio documentation. He encouraged public vigilance by highlighting the council's email reporting system for citizens to flag concerning incidents at cultural gatherings. ◼