It has been reported that a Chinese correspondent has been involved in the production of a pro-China Taiwanese political talk show and supervising the filming. If true, the TV station
might be fined NT$2 million (US$61,482), the National Communications Commission has said.
Some news media and political programs in Taiwan are already speaking on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They even act like the CCP’s propaganda tools, such as China Central Television, covering up scandals and promoting the CCP’s so-called “achievements.” This type of news channel has the effect of confusing Taiwanese about where exactly do they live.
Independent Legislator May Chin (高金素梅) recently referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) as “our President Xi.” Pro-China media in Taiwan even openly mimic Xi’s words and try to brainwash Taiwanese.
It has been more than two years since Russia invaded Ukraine and pro-China channels have often taken the side of Russia, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s strategies against the invasion.
These channels are always finding an excuse for Russia. Therefore, Taiwanese exposed to such news media would agree with the denouncement of Zelenskiy for not prioritizing Ukrainian citizens and focusing only on defeating Russia.
The channels are criticizing the victim instead of the invader, confusing fact from fiction.
Recently the China Coast Guard fought the Philippine Navy in a confrontation in which blood was spilled. Pro-China media in Taiwan reported that the Philippines was challenging China’s powerful People’s Liberation Army Navy, and ended up embarrassing itself.
To align with the CCP’s intention to attack Taiwan “separatists,” pro-China media turn their back on their own people, blaming President William Lai (賴清德) for separating “one China” and allowing himself to become a tool of the US.
However, these media outlets lack the courage to speak up for Taiwanese democracy. As Lai has said, democracy is not a crime, and autocracy is the real “evil.”
Taiwanese should fight against media that spread fake news and demand that the government punish the broadcaster or ban such broadcasts.
Only when we banish “red media” from Taiwan can we genuinely appreciate the value of democracy.
Chen Chi-nung is a political commentator.
Translated by Hsieh Yi-ching
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