Taiwan has banned a Chinese rapper from performing after he referred to Taipei as part of China in promotional materials for his upcoming concert. Wang Yitai, who was scheduled to perform in Taipei on September 14, found himself at the center of controversy after using the term “Taipei, China,” which is seen as an insult in Taiwan. The island’s Mainland Affairs Council swiftly canceled the concert and barred Wang from entering Taiwan, citing the language as an unacceptable affront to Taiwan’s status as a self-governing democracy.
The phrase “Taipei, China” aligns with Beijing’s narrative that Taiwan is a breakaway province under China’s control. The term is particularly inflammatory given the ongoing geopolitical struggle between Taiwan and mainland China. Taiwan’s government made it clear that cultural exchanges with Chinese artists must be based on mutual respect, and any attempts to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty would be met with firm resistance.
Wang’s label in Chengdu is known for producing nationalist music that promotes Beijing’s views. This includes content from groups like CD Rev, which gained notoriety for their aggressive lyrics comparing Taiwan to Hong Kong and mocking Taiwanese leadership. The incident has reignited debate over the limits of cultural engagement between Taiwan and China.
While Taiwan generally welcomes Chinese performers, officials emphasized that respect for Taiwan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. The decision to ban Wang reflects Taiwan’s determination to protect its identity and resist Beijing’s efforts to impose its narrative on the island.
