While the local media have long been the target of China’s “united front” propaganda, YouTubers and entertainers recently revealed that Beijing is paying Taiwanese content creators to produce content that are favorable to China.
YouTuber Potter King (波特王) on June 12 shared a post on Threads saying that the Cross-Strait Youth Exchange Association has invited at least 10 Taiwanese YouTubers to visit China, offering incentives such as free tickets and accommodation, to attend the so-called “Cross-strait Youth Culture Month” event to produce videos that paint China’s image and quality of life in a positive light.
This could be part of Beijing’s “united front” tactics, Potter King said. Other Taiwanese entertainers, including singer R.Chord (謝和弦) and actress Alexis Ho (何以奇), said they had also received invitation letters from China to participate in pro-Beijing activities.
One letter showed a Chinese film and television company based in Beijing attempting to recruit Taiwanese entertainers to post messages promoting cross-strait unification, and offering opportunities to earn an annual income of more than NT$10 million (US$307,882).
Letters also showed the Chinese firm’s attempts to recruit thousands of Taiwanese celebrities to organize a political party to participate in next year’s local elections.
Taiwan surely welcomes the cross-strait interactions that based on mutual respects and mutual benefits. However, taking advantage of the nation’s freedom of speech, China has long started cognitive warfare tactics to shape Taiwanese media and public opinion.
Chinese officials and state-controlled private sectors have promoted “united front” campaigns through measures such as sponsoring Taiwanese media programs, buying advertisements and news placements.
In recent years, Beijing has spent even greater resources to get Taiwanese politicians and opinion leaders from all walks of life to visit China and speak positively about it, in an attempt to undermine national identity and unity in Taiwan.
Targeting young Taiwanese, whose vote plays a crucial role in elections and policy development, China has launched massive “united front” tactics in the culture and entertainment sphere, attempting to garner support from entertainers and Internet influencers that could affect young people’s political views.
Beijing frequently uses a “carrot and stick” strategy to manipulate public opinion. It offers benefits to entertainers who push its propaganda while coercing them into promoting its national identity. An example is the controversial case of Taiwanese singer Chou Tzu-yu (周子瑜), who in 2016 was forced to apologize in a YouTube video for holding up a Taiwanese flag on a South Korean TV show.
Amis singer Panai Kusui on Saturday said in her speech after winning Best Taiwanese Album at the Golden Melody Awards ceremony that it was the 35th anniversary of the awards and that “the Tiananmen Square Massacre is also 35 years old, let’s not forget.”
Unsurprisingly, Panai’s remarks, music and related discussions were removed from the Chinese Internet.
A few influencers and Taiwanese netizens said Panai “shouldn’t spoil the atmosphere of a cultural event with political comments” and “cultural issues shouldn’t mix with politics,” showing that China’s “united front” tactics might be paying off.
“Beijing’s action further underscore the precious freedom in Taiwan. Taiwan’s democracy is a process that all of us need to cherish,” Panai said in response to her critics.
Taiwanese should cherish and protect what they have. The government should also provide more support and resources to cultivate figures and talents in various fields so they can help defend Taiwanese sovereignty and demonstrate democratic freedom through their works.
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