TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council on Thursday said that more than 20 Taiwanese celebrities are under investigation for promoting CCP propaganda.
On Wednesday, MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said that if investigations confirm celebrities are cooperating with Beijing’s political agenda toward Taiwan, they will be penalized according to the law, per CNA. During a Legislative Yuan session the following day, lawmakers raised concerns about his remarks.
Chiu said that in recent years, some entertainers have echoed CCP messaging during sensitive periods, such as Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. In response, the government launched an investigation, and lawmakers requested updates on its progress.
MAC Deputy Minister Shen You-chung (沈有忠) explained that while entertainers are free to seek business opportunities in China, the ministry takes issue with those who align with CCP messaging at politically sensitive times. He said reposting politically tailored content or amplifying narratives that affect morale in Taiwan is a serious concern.
Shen said the MAC’s red line is any attempt to undermine national sovereignty or damage Taiwan’s democratic and constitutional way of life. He said the council had previously relied on public opinion to encourage self-restraint among entertainers.
However, with the CCP escalating its influence operations, Shen said the MAC and the Ministry of Culture have held meetings to address the situation. He said that violations could lead to penalties under Article 33-1 of the Cross-Strait Act.
Shen said over 20 individuals have been preliminarily identified. Shen said the MAC used objective criteria to compile the list.
Regarding what constitutes a red line, Shen said that reposting messages like “Happy Birthday to the Motherland” may be uncomfortable but does not cross a legal threshold. He said the government has defined two specific red lines:
- Speech that advocates eliminating Taiwan’s sovereignty or promoting unification by force
- Any action that undermines Taiwan’s free and democratic constitutional order
If either line is crossed and concrete evidence exists, Shen said, the government will take disciplinary action. Evidence may include online reposts, public endorsement of CCP rhetoric, or comments made in informal settings.
Once evidence collection is complete, the MAC and MOC will invite the individuals involved to explain their actions. Any penalties will be issued according to Article 33-1 of the Cross-Strait Act.
When KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯) asked whether the names of the entertainers could be released, Shen said the list cannot be made public during the ongoing investigation. However, he said the names could be shared privately if needed.
Shen added that once the investigation is concluded in coordination with the MOC, the list may be made public.
