TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said Thursday there are growing suspicions the Chinese social media apps Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok) and Rednote are being used as “united front” propaganda tools. 

During a Legislative Yuan session, DPP Legislator Huang Jie (黃捷) pointed out that Chinese academic Zhang Weiwei (張維為) said Rednote is becoming increasingly popular among Taiwan’s youth, thus increasing China's influence. "After Taiwan is unified, governing Taiwan will be easier than governing Hong Kong," claimed Zhang in a recent speech at Wuhan University. 

Chiu said this is the first time that a Chinese scholar has explicitly linked a popular Chinese social media app in Taiwan with Beijing's goal of unification. He said this indicates that apps such as Douyin and Rednote may be laying the groundwork for unification.

Chiu urged schools at all levels to promote media literacy education related to the use of such platforms. He emphasized the need to raise awareness about potential risks, including the possibility of China exploiting personal data and subtly embedding pro-unification ideology in online content.

Huang asked whether platforms like Rednote fit the MAC's definition of united front tools. Chiu replied that the council has long held a “high degree of suspicion” and hopes that internet regulatory agencies can conduct investigations to address public concerns.