World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Taiwan deports Chinese student over video appearing to pinch president
Taiwan deported a Chinese exchange student after he posted a video that appeared to show him pinching President Lai Ching-te.
The student, identified by the surname Wang, filmed Lai speaking at National Taiwan University and used perspective to create the illusion.
Taiwan revoked Wang’s entry permit under rules for mainland Chinese visitors, citing a requirement to respect equality and dignity, and banned him for five years.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Lai has said Taiwan is sovereign and independent.
A Taiwan opposition politician questioned whether deportation over a social media post could restrict free speech, while distinguishing satire from a real threat.
Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation says it hopes the incident will not affect future exchange students from mainland China.
Taiwan deported a Chinese exchange student after he posted a video that used forced perspective to make it appear he was pinching President Lai Ching-te.
The National Immigration Agency said he violated rules governing mainland Chinese people’s entry into Taiwan.
His entry permit was revoked, and he was banned from entering Taiwan for five years.
The student, identified by the surname Wang, deleted the video and apologised.
A Taiwanese opposition politician questioned whether deporting him over a social media post infringed on freedom of speech.
- Who
- A Chinese exchange student identified by the surname Wang.
- What
- Taiwan deported him and banned him from entering for five years after he posted the video.
- When
- He was deported on October 16. The video was filmed the previous week.
- Where
- At National Taiwan University in Taiwan.
- Why
- Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency said he violated the principle of equality and dignity in regulations governing mainland Chinese people’s entry into Taiwan.
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency
KMT politician Lin Pei-hsiang
Deportation
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency
The agency said Wang violated entry regulations and revoked his permit.
KMT politician Lin Pei-hsiang
Lin questioned whether deporting him over a social media post infringed on freedom of speech.
Interpretation of the video
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency
The agency said the student violated the principle of equality and dignity.
KMT politician Lin Pei-hsiang
Lin suggested political satire should be distinguished from a real threat.
Wang filmed Lai speaking at National Taiwan University and posted the video on Douyin.
Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency confirmed Wang had been deported after revoking his entry permit.
Wang deleted it, apologised and cleared the content from his Douyin account.
- Student
- Wang, a Chinese exchange student
- President
- Lai Ching-te
- University
- National Taiwan University
- Deportation date
- October 16
- Entry ban
- Five years
- Video platform
- Douyin
What people are saying
Our country is [a] democratic, free, and pluralistic society, respecting different opinions and normal exchanges; however, people from mainland China coming to Taiwan must still comply with our laws and related regulations
We respect differing opinions on public policies, as rational dialogue is the cornerstone of a democratic society
We hope this incident serves as a reminder that the exercise of free speech must always come with mutual respect for others
Lai Ching-te is right here. Isn't it your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.