TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A man diagnosed with a mental health condition chased a female passenger on the Taipei Metro on Friday (June 7) after he allegedly saw her reading the word “China” on her phone. 

At 10:28 a.m., shortly after boarding the Taipei MRT Red Line at Zhongshan Station, a 24-year-old man surnamed Chen (陳) started yelling at and chasing a female rider, reported TVBS. 

The incident was reportedly sparked when Chen saw a woman reading content on her smartphone that included the word “China.” 

Frightened for her safety, the woman avoided Chen and shouted, “Help!” In a video of the incident, a male passenger can be seen trying to throw Chen to the floor. 

Chen was said to have repeatedly screamed “June 4,” in an apparent reference to the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the 35th anniversary of which took place on Tuesday. 

Four or five passengers were eventually able to pin Chen on the floor while they waited for police to arrive, reported CNA. When the train arrived at Taipei Main Station, MRT police boarded the carriage and placed Chen in handcuffs. 

Police escorted Chen off the train at NTU Hospital Station and requested ambulance assistance. Chen's mood gradually stabilized and paramedics assessed that medical treatment was not necessary. 

MRT staff and security personnel then escorted Chen out of the station. No injuries were reported, and Taipei Metro said the incident did not affect MRT operations and that security measures would be enhanced. 

Upon investigation, the MRT police found that Chen had a medical certificate stating that he was susceptible to emotional disturbances and could be triggered by certain stimuli, per Liberty Times. Specifically, he would exhibit symptoms upon seeing or hearing the words “China.”

The video below shows police escorting Chen off the train at NTU Hospital Station.