A recent survey in Taiwan has revealed that less than 40% of young Taiwanese support regulating influencers linked to pro-China unification efforts. This survey was conducted during a seminar in Taipei by the Asia-Pacific Elite Interchange Association (APEIA), which explored public opinions on China's United Front tactics aimed at Taiwan.
The survey results showed that 56.3% of respondents supported amending laws to regulate Taiwanese influencers involved in China's United Front activities, while 25.7% opposed such measures, and 18% had no opinion. However, among respondents aged 20 to 24, only 37.9% were in favor, a significant drop compared to the 49.1% to 70.6% support seen in other age groups.
Arthur Wang, Secretary-General of APEIA, expressed concern over the low awareness of Chinese United Front efforts among young Taiwanese, describing it as a "warning sign." He emphasized the need for society to focus on increasing awareness among young people, especially those exposed to Chinese social media.
The survey was conducted amid reports of China allegedly recruiting Taiwanese influencers for its United Front activities. These revelations were highlighted in a documentary by YouTuber Pa Chiung, who interviewed Taiwanese rapper Chen Po-yuan. Chen shared his experience of unknowingly promoting a pro-unification agenda while collaborating with Chinese government agencies.
The United Front is a strategy used by the Chinese Communist Party to influence individuals or groups to support its political objectives, including advocating for Taiwan's unification with China.
Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China considers it a part of its territory.
Pro-China influencers are people who use social media to share content that supports China's views, especially about uniting Taiwan with China.
Regulating means creating rules or laws to control or manage something. In this case, it refers to making rules about what pro-China influencers can do or say.
This is an organization that conducts research and surveys in the Asia-Pacific region, which includes countries like Taiwan, China, and others around the Pacific Ocean.
United Front activities are efforts by China to influence other countries and promote its interests, often by working with people or groups in those countries.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *