China intensified its Chinese political crackdown this week by issuing wanted notices for two Taiwanese influencers. The move shows Beijing’s determination to silence pro-independence voices and expand control over political discourse.
The Quanzhou Public Security Bureau announced a reward of up to 25,000 yuan for information leading to the arrest of YouTuber Wen Tzu-yu and rapper Chen Po-yuan. Officials accused both of supporting Taiwan’s separation from China and criticizing Beijing’s policies toward Taiwanese citizens. They also claimed the influencers promoted discrimination against Chinese spouses of Taiwanese nationals.
Beijing labeled Wen and Chen as accomplices of Taiwanese independence and claimed their actions harm cross-strait relations. Chinese officials have recently vowed to punish anyone challenging national unification. This step marks another escalation in the Chinese political crackdown against online dissent and pro-Taiwan advocacy.
Taiwan’s Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee condemned the decision and called it a direct attack on freedom of speech. She said no democracy would tolerate such intimidation and promised that Taiwan would protect its citizens. Lee urged political parties to unite against foreign interference and defend Taiwan’s democratic system.
Tung Yu-yun from the Mainland Affairs Council said most countries would refuse to enforce these warrants. She explained that the United Nations’ double criminality rule prevents extradition unless both sides consider the act illegal. She emphasized that democratic nations are unlikely to hand over Taiwanese citizens to China.
Experts believe Beijing aims to create fear rather than enforce actual laws. Tunghai University professor Hung Pu-chao said China uses legal notices as psychological tools to test Taiwan’s resolve. He added that Beijing’s threats seek to manipulate public opinion rather than achieve real legal outcomes.
Analysts warn that the Chinese political crackdown could worsen cross-strait tensions and threaten regional stability. They expect Taiwan to strengthen ties with democratic allies and reaffirm its independence.
The ongoing Chinese political crackdown highlights the growing divide between China’s authoritarian system and Taiwan’s democratic resilience.
