China Invites Taiwanese Celebrities to Xinjiang Amid Controversy
China has been reportedly inviting Taiwanese celebrities to visit Xinjiang, aiming to counter negative perceptions surrounding its control of the region. According to Taiwanese YouTuber Potter King, who revealed this in June, China has been recruiting influencers to travel and film content in Xinjiang. A second group of internet celebrities is expected to make the trip to highlight the region’s local environment and public safety.
Cabinet Deputy Spokesperson Hsieh Tzu-han stated at a press conference on September 5 that Taiwan is collecting information on China’s activities. She warned Taiwanese citizens of the potential risks associated with traveling to China, noting that their actions could have personal repercussions and impact Taiwan’s reputation.
Potter King mentioned that influencers with substantial followings were targeted for recruitment. In the content created, influencers have reportedly praised Xinjiang, claiming that the local people are friendly and that it is a safe destination.
Taiwanese YouTuber Ariel, who has 1.1 million subscribers, has denied any invitation from China. She clarified that her recent trip to Xinjiang was a pre-planned vacation with friends, and she did not profit from the content she posted. Despite these assurances, many netizens on Threads have criticized the influencers, suggesting that China’s hospitality is a strategy to mask its repression of minority groups in Xinjiang.
Chen Li-fu, President of the Taiwan Professors Association, described China’s use of celebrity endorsements as a new form of publicity, arguing that such messages are more convincing when delivered by Taiwanese rather than appearing as mere propaganda.
Additionally, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office hosted a group of Taiwanese businesspeople in Xinjiang in August to promote investment and industrial development opportunities. Another delegation of Taiwanese businesspeople is scheduled to visit Xinjiang in September to explore investment prospects in key industrial supply chains.
Doubts Revealed
Xinjiang -: Xinjiang is a region in China where many Uyghur people live. There have been reports of the Chinese government treating the Uyghur people unfairly.
Taiwanese Celebrities -: These are famous people from Taiwan, like actors, singers, or YouTubers, who are well-known and have many fans.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. It has its own government, but China claims it as part of its territory.
YouTuber -: A YouTuber is someone who makes videos and shares them on YouTube, a popular website for watching videos.
Potter King -: Potter King is a famous YouTuber from Taiwan who makes funny and interesting videos.
Influencers -: Influencers are people who have many followers on social media and can influence their opinions and behaviors.
Taiwan’s Cabinet Deputy Spokesperson -: This is a person who speaks for the government of Taiwan and shares important information with the public.
Hsieh Tzu-han -: Hsieh Tzu-han is the person who works as the Deputy Spokesperson for Taiwan’s government.
Netizens -: Netizens are people who use the internet, especially those who are active on social media and online forums.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office -: This is a part of the Chinese government that deals with issues related to Taiwan.
Investment -: Investment means putting money into something, like a business, with the hope of making more money in the future.