TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Culture (MOC, 文化部) issued a strong statement Friday (May 16) defending artistic freedom while warning creators against unwittingly becoming conduits for Chinese political influence that could undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and national security interests. The announcement reflects growing concerns about Beijing's attempts to leverage cultural exchanges for political purposes.
Officials pointed to China's pattern of intensifying unification rhetoric at politically sensitive moments, noting some Taiwanese artists may inadvertently amplify these messages while pursuing mainland market opportunities. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) responded to these concerns in March with 17 specific countermeasures. Working with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會), Taiwan's primary agency handling cross-strait relations, the ministry is crafting guidelines for artists visiting China to prevent violations of Article 33-1 of Taiwan's cross-strait relations law.
The ministry highlighted MAC's explicit guidelines regarding prohibited behaviors, specifically warning against amplifying statements from Chinese political organizations. With Taiwan's presidential inauguration anniversary on May 20 (commonly referred to as "520") approaching, cultural officials urged artists to exercise caution and avoid politically charged collaborations with Chinese officials or political figures. The ministry pledged continued vigilance in partnership with MAC to monitor potential violations.
This heightened vigilance comes as Taiwan prepares to commemorate President Lai's first year in office on May 20, a date of profound significance in Taiwan's democratic journey that marks the peaceful transfer of power. The timing of the ministry's warning reflects concerns that Beijing might intensify its influence operations during this politically sensitive period. ◼
