Taiwan has banned a Chinese rapper from performing after he referred to Taipei as part of China, a statement that struck a nerve given the island’s ongoing struggle for recognition as a sovereign nation. Rapper Wang Yitai, based in Chengdu, had a scheduled concert in Taipei on September 14, which was abruptly canceled following his use of the term “Taipei, China” in promotional materials.
The phrase “Taipei, China” is seen as a direct affront to Taiwan’s autonomy, echoing Beijing’s stance that the island is a breakaway province under its jurisdiction. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, in a late Sunday announcement, made it clear that such language would not be tolerated and banned Wang from entering the island.
Wang’s music label in Chengdu is known for producing nationalistic tracks, including those by the rap group CD Rev, which gained infamy for comparing Taiwan to Hong Kong—a city under Beijing’s tight control. The group’s lyrics often target Taiwan’s political leadership with derogatory remarks, which further fueled tensions.
Despite China’s frequent bans on Taiwanese artists who express support for the island’s independence, Taiwan has generally welcomed cultural exchanges with Chinese performers. However, this incident highlights the fine line between artistic collaboration and political provocation.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that cross-strait cultural exchanges should be based on “reciprocity and mutual respect,” making it clear that any content that diminishes Taiwan’s status as a self-governing entity will be met with firm resistance.
