Recent controversies surrounding Taiwanese singer Jay Chou (周杰倫) and Chinese actor Zhang Linghe (張凌赫) have highlighted cultural tensions between Taiwan and China.
On October 21, during a regular briefing, China's Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and pro-independence figures, referencing the two celebrities.
Jay Chou recently attended a tennis event in Shanghai, where he was introduced as a "famous Chinese singer." He shared a video of this moment on social media, which drew backlash from some DPP members who insisted he is a "Taiwanese singer."
A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office stated, "All compatriots across the Taiwan Strait are Chinese. When a Taiwanese artist acknowledges themselves as a Chinese singer, it reflects a sincere acceptance of their identity as Chinese."
The spokesperson further criticized pro-independence forces, saying, "They cannot tolerate emotional connections between compatriots across the Strait and seek to politically stigmatize artists, limiting the legitimate expression of the Taiwanese people."
Zhang Linghe, who gained popularity from the Chinese drama "Chasing Jade (逐玉)," has also faced challenges. He reportedly applied to hold a fan meeting in Taiwan but was denied by local authorities.
In June, Zhang attended a cross-strait exchange event in Xiamen, Fujian Province, where he called for deeper cultural exchanges between Taiwan and China. The Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council criticized him, stating, "Zhang Linghe was merely an entertainer but has been manipulated by the Chinese government, taking on a political hue."
The spokesperson added, "The visits of entertainers from mainland China to Taiwan are welcomed and anticipated by residents on both sides, helping to enhance mutual understanding."
He urged the DPP to stop politically motivated interference and lift unreasonable restrictions to promote cultural exchanges across the Strait.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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