TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Culture published an open letter on Friday cautioning Taiwanese artists who travel to China for their careers. 

The letter, written by Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠), was published following reports that more than 20 Taiwanese entertainers working in China are under investigation for sharing Chinese propaganda. The minister warned artists who live and work in China to expect political interference in their work, and urged them to be careful about the political messages they endorse. 

The culture ministry encouraged Taiwanese artists and entertainers to consider building their careers in Taiwan rather than China. The letter noted there are government subsidies and investments to boost Taiwan’s cultural industries. 

The letter also noted that the culture ministry followed up on the Taiwanese entertainers identified by the Mainland Affairs Council for spreading united front materials on social media. Most claimed they were unaware that such activity was illegal, with some pledging to be more careful in the future, per the culture ministry. 

Many Taiwanese entertainers are employed by Chinese agencies, who also manage their social media presence. In some cases, these agencies have shared political material without the artist’s approval, per the culture ministry. 

Li Yuan emphasized that culture and creative professionals should not serve as tools of government propaganda. The minister also expressed confidence in Taiwan’s creative industries and invited them to become a part of Taiwan’s flourishing cultural landscape.