TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Monday (Nov. 4) urged the public to welcome popular singers like Andy Lau (劉德華) to Taiwan, despite the political controversy surrounding his recent concert performance. Chiang emphasized that Lau's performance should not be used as a pretext, adding that such performances not only receive widespread acclaim but also stimulate the overall concert economy.
Lau's concert at Taipei Arena on Oct. 31, postponed due to Typhoon Kong-rey, sparked debate after he sang "I am Chinese" (我是中國人). The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) criticized Lau, labeling him a "pro-Communist artist."
Meanwhile, director and producer Chiu Li-kwan (邱瓈寬) defended Lau, dismissing the criticism and calling for others not to use artists for political issues. As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing artistic expression and political sensitivity.
