Five words convey determination: Taiwanese celebrity Wu Kangren's self-denial of "Taiwan independence" status has ignited a heated debate across the Taiwan Strait.
"No, don't worry." At around 5 a.m. on May 8, Taiwan's Golden Horse Award-winning actor Wu Kangren responded in just six characters to online accusations questioning his "Taiwan independence" stance in a Weibo comment section. This direct and unequivocal reply instantly went viral, amassing over 100 million views within a single day.
As Wu Kangren expands into the Chinese mainland market, past remarks—such as claiming "I'm from Anhui" and expressing a desire to visit his "hometown"—have resurfaced and been widely shared by netizens. On one hand, this Taiwanese entertainer actively expresses familial ties to the mainland; on the other, his past support for the "Sunflower Movement" continues to draw scrutiny, making him once again a focal point in discussions about artists' political stances in cross-strait exchanges.
Wu Kangren’s six-character response quickly sparked intense discussion across social media platforms. Some praised it, saying, "This is far stronger than those roundabout statements that circle eight hundred times," while others countered, "Five words? That won’t cut it—how about a thousand-word explanation?"
Netizens dug up previous interactions where Wu stated, "I’d like to first visit my ancestral hometown in Anhui—I’m originally from Anhui," and remarked, "We are family," and "Born of the same root."
In the current context of sensitive and complex cross-strait relations, the political positions of Taiwanese entertainers are especially prone to triggering public sensitivities. Wu Kangren’s past backing of the "Sunflower Movement" has made him a target of skepticism among many mainland netizens.
Although he previously defended himself by stating, "I disagreed with the approach but not with the service trade agreement," this historical baggage continues to shadow his career path in the mainland market.
Why do mainland Chinese people care so much about the "Taiwan independence" issue? The deep sensitivity stems from China’s modern history of territorial invasion and national humiliation. For many Chinese, the concept of "sacred territory" is deeply embedded in their emotional consciousness.
This sentiment was shaped by China’s humiliating and weakened modern history, particularly the collective memory since the Opium Wars, which instilled in the Chinese people a strong emotional attachment to national unity and territorial integrity.
The mainland’s zero-tolerance stance toward "Taiwan independence" has emerged against the backdrop of repeated provocations by the DPP after its return to power in 2016, escalating tensions across the strait.
"We absolutely will not allow a few individuals to profit from the mainland while simultaneously supporting 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities that undermine cross-strait relations." This red line applies equally to Taiwanese entertainers.
Those who come to develop careers on the mainland must respect its political bottom lines and national sentiments. As one netizen put it: "When it comes to the nation, there are no idols. Anyone attempting to split the country should be discarded—this is a matter of principle!"
The blood ties between the two sides of the strait are inseparable, and we are indeed of the same root—a fact no force can sever. We continue to welcome Taiwanese artists who genuinely recognize the One-China Principle and uphold national righteousness to come to the mainland, to share opportunities and promote exchanges.
For Taiwanese artists, a simple statement may temporarily ease doubts, but in the long run, only genuine identification with being Chinese can earn respect and recognition in the mainland market.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864697151809543/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.