Taipei [Taiwan], May 27: Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng has issued a strong warning regarding the use of Chinese social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu (RedNote) and Douyin, citing their role in promoting Beijing’s “united front” propaganda which could undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Chiu’s remarks followed controversial statements by Chinese academic Zhang Weiwei, who claimed that the popularity of Chinese apps among young Taiwanese could make post-unification governance easier than in Hong Kong. “The time has come to address the ‘Taiwan question,’” Zhang asserted, adding that Taiwan’s economic dependence on China — especially in semiconductors and electronics — could be leveraged to influence the island.
Zhang’s remarks, which were widely circulated in Chinese media, prompted a swift rebuttal from Chiu. “These platforms are not just entertainment apps; they are tools for disseminating pro-China narratives,” Chiu stated. He emphasized that users risk exposure to propaganda and personal data breaches when using these apps.
The MAC has responded by banning central government officials from participating in activities involving Chinese platforms and advising local officials to avoid involvement as well. Chiu also called on educational institutions to introduce media literacy programs to help students critically assess content on Chinese platforms and guard against manipulation.
While formal cross-strait dialogues have stalled, Chiu noted that interactions with China still occur under Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, though with heightened vigilance.