Prominent Chinese influencer Liu Zhenya, widely known as “Yaya,” was deported from Taiwan on Tuesday evening after the government revoked her residency permit for allegedly endangering national security with pro-China remarks. Her expulsion follows a weeks-long controversy over a video she posted praising Chinese military drills near Taiwan.
Liu, who had lived in Taiwan with her Taiwanese husband and children, came under scrutiny for a social media video posted in May 2024. In it, she referred to China’s “Joint Sword 2024A” military exercises as “the most intimidating and aggressive ever” and expressed excitement at the idea of the Chinese flag being raised over Taiwan.
Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) ruled on March 12 that Liu’s statements violated residency regulations for mainland Chinese nationals. The agency cited concerns over national security and revoked her permit, imposing a five-year ban on reapplication and ordering her to leave the country by March 25.
Before her departure, Liu held a press conference claiming the NIA had abused its authority. She defended her remarks, stating that her reference to military unification was merely an “analysis,” not an endorsement. “I support peaceful unification,” Liu said. “Discussing military options is not the same as promoting them.”
The press event was met with protests from Taiwanese citizens, many chanting slogans such as “Yaya, go back to China!” and referencing “June 4” — the date of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre — as a condemnation of Beijing’s authoritarianism.
Despite her appeal for leniency on the grounds of family ties, officials stood firm. Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang said Liu’s actions were part of a larger influence campaign backed by pro-China figures. “She is not just an ordinary resident; her activities form part of a broader legal, public opinion, and psychological warfare effort,” the minister noted.
Premier Cho Jung-tai weighed in, saying: “Freedom of speech has boundaries, and that boundary is the survival of the state. You cannot defame the country and expect it to continue protecting you.”
Liu ultimately left Taiwan as ordered, just before the deadline expired. Critics claim she attempted to turn the departure into a political spectacle to benefit Chinese state media narratives. “She wants a symbolic return,” said Taiwanese influencer Ba Jiong, who first publicized Liu’s controversial remarks. “But we made sure the only images she takes back are reminders of Taiwan’s commitment to democracy.”
