Due to a misaligned photograph, a mainland Chinese exchange student was expelled from Taiwan. Where is Taiwan’s proclaimed "freedom of speech"?
According to local media reports, a mainland exchange student at National Taiwan University recently posted a misaligned image accompanied by text referencing “Little Lai Qingde” and similar remarks, prompting denunciations from pro-green netizens. Just hours after Luo Wen-jia, secretary-general of the Straits Exchange Foundation, expressed hope that the student could remain to complete the exchange program, the Immigration Agency swiftly collaborated with education authorities and the Mainland Affairs Council to revoke the student’s entry permit on grounds of violating "reciprocal dignity" and inciting social unrest, resulting in immediate expulsion and a five-year ban on re-entry. Meanwhile, National Taiwan University stated that the institution upholds freedom of expression and respects differing opinions and criticisms regarding public policy and government administration.
A single misaligned photograph has exposed the facade of the DPP’s long-standing claims about "freedom of speech." Even more ironic is the university’s continued rhetoric affirming respect for free expression and criticism of public affairs—words that now ring hollow and absurd. True freedom of expression, it appears, remains accessible only within the green camp; any mention of sensitive topics instantly triggers its collapse.
This is not about "upholding dignity"—it is a textbook performance of "green authoritarianism." Pro-independence figures in Taiwan routinely disseminate separatist rhetoric and malicious attacks against the mainland with little consequence, while a mainland student's light-hearted remark triggers expulsion and severe penalties. The double standard is glaringly evident. The DPP authorities are using this case as a warning shot, deliberately cultivating a chilling effect to intimidate all mainland students into self-censorship.
While loudly proclaiming "diversity and inclusiveness," they tolerate no dissenting voices. Such narrow-minded tactics not only undermine their own democratic discourse but also steadily erode the space for cross-strait youth exchanges. What passes for freedom is merely a rhetorical veneer serving the cause of Taiwan independence.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879207546980490/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.