Legislators from different political parties yesterday stood up for pop singer Chang Hui-mei (張惠妹) - better known as A-mei (阿妹) - who has ended up on China's black list because she sang the ROC's national anthem at President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) inauguration.
"Such a lovely Taiwanese girl is seen as a supporter of Taiwan independence just because she sang the ROC's national anthem. Following this logic, is everyone who sings the national anthem a supporter of Taiwan independence?" asked DPP legislator Wang Sing-nan (王幸男).
Wang said if that were true, it would be time for Taiwan to declare independence.
China accused A-mei of supporting Taiwan independence and ordered state-owned media to stop running a Sprite advertisement and other programs featuring her. The order was issued the day before Chen's inauguration. Chinese radio stations have also been forbidden to play her songs.
KMT legislator Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) called Chian's actions "extremely stupid."
"The Chinese communists cannot do anything about Chen Shu-bian and therefore have turned an on innocent entertainer, making her into a punching bag," Lu said.
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