TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Sunday (Aug. 25) announced that Chinese rapper Wang Yitai (王以太) has been denied entry to Taiwan for using the term “Taipei, China” in promotional material.

Wang was scheduled to perform in Taiwan on Sept. 14, but organizers sold tickets before receiving government approval, per Liberty Times. The MAC said the promotional content violated regulations and permission to hold the concert was denied, while Wang was barred from entering the country.

According to the ticketing website KKTIX, Wang is signed to the rap label Cheng Du Corporation. The Taipei leg of Wang's “Love Me Later” album tour was to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Legacy Max in Taipei's Xinyi District. 

Starting on July 1, organizer Mercury Entertainment began selling tickets and merchandise online with general admission set at NT$2,300 (US$72).

However, a government investigation found Wang's album promotion and advertising materials, featured the phrase “Next Stop: China Taipei.” Promotional photos were also posted on Chinese social media such as Xiaohongshu with a sign reading "Beijing South Station: Beijing → Taipei, China" in the background.

A government official told Liberty Times Mercury Entertainment applied for Wang to come on July 10, but began selling tickets on July 1. The MAC said Wang's promotional content violated the "Regulations Governing the Approval of Entry of People of the Mainland Area into the Taiwan Area," per CNA. 

The council emphasized Taiwan welcomes Chinese artists and sees cross-strait interaction through music as positive. However, it stressed, "Cross-strait exchanges should be conducted based on the principles of reciprocity and mutual respect, and any publications or promotions that belittle Taiwan's status will not be tolerated."