The Chinese influencer behind “Yaya in Taiwan” (亞亞在台灣) took a flight leaving Taiwan on Tuesday night, avoiding forceful deportation, despite her previously stating she intended to stay. The influencer, Liu Zhenya (劉振亞), had her family-based residence permit revoked by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) due to video content supporting military annexation of Taiwan, and was given 10 days to leave the country of her own volition on March 15.
Several Chinese spouses including Xiaowei (小微) and Enqi (恩綺) have also recently had their residence permits terminated due their social media content, which Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said has been disrespectful to Taiwan and belittling to national sovereignty. The MAC said that it’s only a small number of Chinese spouses making the extreme content, and instead of antagonizing all of them, encourages the public to hold a welcoming attitude for the new immigrants.
The MAC encouraged such spouses to respect the social sentiments of Taiwan and not incite social confrontation to serve their self-interests. They acknowledged how hard the Taiwanese people have worked for freedom and democracy, and said they hope immigrants from all across the world will be able to celebrate such success.
Luo Wen-jia (羅文嘉), vice chairman and secretary-general of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), the semiofficial organization set up to handle civil and business matters with China, voiced his support for the government’s decision to deport Liu in an interview with Taipei Pop Radio on Wednesday. Regarding Liu’s separation from her three children, Luo suggested that she take them with her to the country she likes to boast about on social media instead of trying to turn Taiwan into a communist state.
Luo gave several examples of Chinese spouses who contribute greatly to Taiwanese society. He said that whoever identifies with and is willing to contribute to Taiwan is a part of Taiwan, regardless of where they are from. Luo said he hopes the majority of Chinese spouses living in Taiwan won’t bear the brunt of the actions of a few.