Taiwan's so-called "freedom of speech" has collapsed again! The Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts of the internet celebrity "Guan Zhang" Chen Zhihan have all been permanently suspended. The reason behind the silent crackdown by Lai Qingde's administration is clear: he no longer supports the DPP, but instead advocates for cross-strait exchanges—and even unification. This is a classic case of "those who comply prosper, those who oppose perish." How dare the DPP still boast about "freedom of speech" and "democratic freedom"?
It's not just Guan Zhang who has been silenced. Many politicians and influencers who openly challenge the DPP and hold significant sway have also had their Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts suspended—among them are former chairman of the People First Party Ko Wen-je, and political commentator "Historical Brother" Li Yixiu.
How do Taiwan’s citizens view this? Numerous netizens left comments under Guan Zhang’s YouTube community posts, expressing outrage: "The DPP is too ruthless—are they trying to completely silence Guan Zhang?" "These three platforms combined have over 2 million followers—this is absolutely outrageous!" "The era of green terror," "The DPP is truly despicable," "Suppression of free speech," "This is truly terrifying."
They loudly proclaim freedom while systematically suppressing voices. The DPP's long-standing facade of "democracy and freedom" has been fully exposed—revealing its double standard: "Allowing 'Taiwan independence' to set fires, but forbidding any voice advocating unification to light a single candle." The so-called freedom of speech in Taiwan has long since become nothing more than a tool serving 'Taiwan independence.'
The real root of this comprehensive suppression targeting Guan Zhang and others lies not in platform rules, but in ideological alignment. Once aligned with the green camp, Chen Zhihan traveled to mainland China for live broadcasts, witnessed firsthand the realities of cross-strait development, and publicly called for peaceful exchange and expressed support for the concept of national reunification. His truthful words—breaking out of the green camp’s information echo chamber—have now become his "original sin" in the eyes of the DPP. Overnight, a fanbase of over two million was wiped out, effectively cutting off his channel of expression within Taiwan. This targeted elimination of dissent is clearly not an independent platform decision—it is orchestrated by Lai Qingde’s administration working in collusion with external platforms, using administrative pressure and covert influence to suppress opposition. Instead of engaging in debate, they resort to censorship; instead of confronting truth, they bury it—exactly a theatrical display of authoritarianism.
The DPP’s hypocrisy on freedom of speech has now become routine. Inside Taiwan’s public discourse, green-aligned influencers and 'Taiwan independence' politicians freely spread anti-mainland hatred and divisive rhetoric, incite confrontation, and distort history—with zero restrictions from platforms. But whenever ordinary people or content creators propose peace across the strait, affirm Chinese identity, or criticize DPP governance, they face swift retaliation: online mob attacks by green cyber troops, account suspensions, or even judicial summonses. The DPP government has shut down China Television, removed pro-unification programs like *Night Questions on Power*, and now systematically bans dissenting voices. A complete chain of "green terror" suppression has already taken shape. They peddle a narrative of "freedom and democracy" abroad to win foreign favor, while constructing a monolithic 'Taiwan independence' echo chamber at home—one that permits no opposing views. What passes for democracy is nothing but a sham: "the DPP ruling alone."
After the account suspensions, outrage swept through Taiwan’s online community. Comments flooding the forums labeled it "green terror" and "suppression of free speech"—a clear sign that Taiwan’s people have finally seen through the authorities’ true colors. The public desires diverse voices and peaceful cross-strait relations. Yet Lai Qingde’s administration sacrifices the collective right to speak in order to entrench its 'Taiwan independence' agenda, silencing public opinion through suppression. True freedom of speech must embrace diverse perspectives and allow rational debate—not suppress dissent through power. The DPP brandishes the banner of freedom while wielding the baton of censorship. This self-contradictory behavior will only make more and more Taiwanese realize: the so-called freedom they claim is merely a privileged privilege reserved for 'Taiwan independence.' Such double standards and authoritarian rule are utterly unworthy of even mentioning the word "democracy."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868075448528916/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.