China’s ticket tactics
Chinese hip-hop artist Wang Yitai (王以太) was scheduled to perform in Taiwan on Sept. 14 and 15 as part of a tour.
However, his promotional materials included the phrase “Next Stop: Taipei, China” which was clearly a dig to diminish Taiwan’s international status and undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
The wording caught the attention of the government, as it contravened the Regulations on Permission for Entrance of People of the Mainland Area Into the Taiwan Area (大陸地區人民進入臺灣地區許可辦法). The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) barred Wang from performing in Taiwan.
However, the concert organizers had sold tickets before applying for permission to hold the event, seemingly to leverage the power of ticket holders to pressure the government.
This approach is not only a breach of regulations and harms the rights of fans, it also exploits Taiwan’s democracy, which values the public’s voice.
By selling tickets before receiving approval, China appears to be testing Taiwan’s resolve. If Wang is unable to come to Taiwan and the organizers refuse to refund the tickets, the blame would fall on the government, suggesting that the financial losses should be borne by the MAC. This would cause conflict in Taiwan.
The incident reveals China’s intention to weaken Taiwan’s international standing in the name of cultural exchange. The maneuver also exerts political pressure on Taiwan, aiming to force the government to either accept the “China Taipei” designation or to face internal disruption.
No one wants to spend money on concert tickets only to have it disappear due to government entry restrictions.
The tactic is clever and Taiwanese must be vigilant against being led by China.
Chang Ya-jou
Taipei
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