In a recent turn of events, Taiwanese actress Lin Yichen found herself at the center of controversy after she publicly declared herself a native of Chengdu, Sichuan Province. This simple act of self-identification, however, has sparked a wave of online abuse from pro-green military factions within Taiwan, prompting a strong response from the Chinese State Council Information Office.
On September 11, the State Council Information Office held a regular press conference where spokesperson Chen Binhua addressed various cross-strait issues and fielded questions from journalists. During the conference, a reporter inquired about the recent online harassment Lin Yichen faced for her declaration of her Sichuanese heritage.
Chen Binhua responded by highlighting the absurdity of the situation. It is natural for individuals to introduce their ancestral places and express their identity as Chinese, he said. What is wrong with that? Just as I have lived and worked in Beijing for decades, when asked where I am from, I would naturally reply that I am from Fujian.
The spokesperson’s comments served as a stark critique of the online abuse directed at Lin Yichen, emphasizing the absurdity of the pro-green factions’ actions. Chen went on to say that the harassment of artists like Lin Yichen further proves that Taiwan independence is Taiwan’s own poison and that opposing China is a form of ignorance. He also pointed out that the long-standing de-Chineseization trend in Taiwan has been extremely harmful, with far-reaching consequences.
The term de-Chineseization refers to a political and cultural movement within Taiwan that seeks to distance the island from its historical and cultural ties with mainland China. This movement has been a subject of concern and criticism by Beijing for years, as it represents a concerted effort to erase the shared cultural heritage of the Chinese people.
Lin Yichen’s case is not an isolated incident. There have been numerous instances where Taiwanese individuals or artists have faced backlash for expressing their Chinese identity or for engaging in activities that are perceived as supportive of the mainland. This pattern of behavior reflects a worrying trend in Taiwan, where the concept of a distinct Taiwanese identity is being promoted at the expense of the broader Chinese identity.
The Chinese State Council Information Office’s statement serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and mainland China. The incident involving Lin Yichen highlights the challenges faced by individuals who seek to bridge the gap between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
It remains to be seen how this incident will affect the relationship between Taiwan and mainland China. However, it is clear that the issue of de-Chineseization in Taiwan is a significant concern for Beijing, and it will continue to monitor developments closely.
In conclusion, the online abuse of Taiwanese actress Lin Yichen for claiming Sichuan as her hometown has sparked a broader debate on the issue of de-Chineseization in Taiwan. The Chinese State Council Information Office’s response has underscored the severity of the situation and the need for a more inclusive and harmonious approach to national identity. Only through mutual understanding and respect can the people of Taiwan and mainland China move forward together.
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