Following the controversy of artists re-posting “pro-unification” content, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) asked to strengthen the guidance and management of videographer practitioners in China. The Culture Ministry reminded film and art workers to avoid being used as tools for united front work.
Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) said in a legislative interview on Friday that while the ministry supports artists pursuing opportunities in China, it is disappointing when they speak negatively about Taiwan after benefiting from its free and democratic environment. Li agreed that the Culture Ministry will cooperate with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) in accordance with relevant regulations to provide artists with matters to remain on guard about when working in China.
Addressing concerns that these measures may force artists to “take sides”, Li expressed that the goal is to protect and help artists. As for questions about what actions would cross the “red line”, Li redirected questions to the provisions in the Cross-Strait Act. The other approach is to strengthen Taiwan’s cultural industries so that artists feel they can achieve the same growth by staying.
Concerning the speech made by artists inside Taiwan, MAC Head Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), clarified that advocating for independence or unification is generally considered freedom of speech– while advocating for the use of force or military action exceeds the scope of those protections.
Chiu emphasized that the Republic of China is a sovereign country of which Taiwan has never been a part– an opinion that has never changed. He also reminded artists that there are certain risks if one chooses to take opportunities in China, even as the MAC and Cultural Ministry work to create a counseling and management system to help artists encountering such pressures.