TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A male Chinese national surnamed Liang was banned from entering Taiwan for two years after posting a video that referred to Taiwan as a part of China.
Liang applied in October to visit Taiwan as a student residing in Thailand, per CNA. The National Immigration Agency rejected his application, citing “conduct that violates the principle of reciprocal dignity,” and barred him from entry from Aug. 30, 2025, to Aug. 29, 2027.
In an appeal, Liang said he contacted the NIA to ask what behavior violated the principle, but received no clear answer and was told to figure it out himself. He speculated it was related to his RedNote video announcing his planned trip to Taiwan.
He argued the phrasing reflected common usage in China and carried no intent to demean or deny Taiwan. He also said the decision violated administrative clarity requirements, restricted freedom of speech, and breached the principle of proportionality.
The NIA countered that it received a public complaint in August last year about Liang’s video captions referring to “Taiwan, China,” with a Chinese flag, which “clearly denigrated the dignity of the Republic of China.” It added that the grounds for the decision were clearly explained when his application was denied.
The agency said that, given the complex and sensitive cross-strait situation, it must strictly enforce entry regulations for Chinese nationals in the public interest.
The Cabinet's appeals committee found that Liang did not deny the conduct and that the NIA’s decision, based on regulations governing tourism permits and entry permissions, was consistent with laws governing Chinese nationals entering Taiwan.
The committee said the CCP has, in recent years, intensified cognitive warfare against Taiwan to blur public perceptions of friend and foe. It said Liang’s video could be seen as part of such united front efforts, potentially serving propaganda purposes and harming the public interest.
Liang may file an administrative lawsuit with the Taipei High Administrative Court within two months of receiving the decision.
