Additionally, Chinese police recently announced a much larger bounty of more than $53,000. They’re looking for the arrest of two Taiwanese influencers, Wen Tzu-yu and Chen Po-yuan. Authorities are claiming the two were disseminating “anti-China” information on the internet. They argue that these flaps have dealt a severe blow to China’s policy posture toward Taiwan. The announcement has sparked international uproar, as Taiwanese officials have been quick to denounce the rewards as a PR move.
Eurasian actor Wen Tzu-yu, aka Pa Chiung, has found fame on social media for his hard-hitting views. At the same time, Chen Po-yuan, or Minnan Wolf, has become infamous for his candid opinions. As far as Chinese authorities are concerned, each man has served as an “enforcer and accomplice” in Taiwan’s independence movement. The police promised that their work has greatly damaged the relationship between Taiwan and China. For Beijing, Taiwan is, and has always been, an integral part of China’s territory.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation into Wen and Chen follows a broader crackdown by Chinese authorities on individuals they accuse of separatist activities. In fact, just last month, China started investigating Puma Shen, a major Taiwanese legislator, on similar accused infractions. The public security bureau of South-Western Chongqing announced that it would pursue Shen’s criminal responsibility in accordance with the law, further highlighting Beijing’s growing scrutiny of Taiwanese figures.
In early December, Wen Tzu-yu posted a short documentary explaining Beijing’s crafty efforts to recruit Taiwan’s most popular influencers. The police have used the documentary in court to prove that the pair were involved in subversive actions. According to the authorities, Wen and Chen have heinously sullied the image of mainland policies. Such policy moves, though deeply symbolic, are designed to cement closer ties with Taiwan.
Responses from the Influencers
In light of the situation, Chen Po-yuan expressed his resolve, stating, “I stand up for myself. The greater the wind, the more stable I am.” His statements represent a rare act of defiance against the coordinated and focused accusations of wrongdoing currently being hurled by Chinese officials. Wen Tzu-yu observed the unfolding events with deep irony. So then I guess I’m the new Puma Shen,” he quipped, indicating that he too was now receiving the same type of criticism as the councilman.
Liang Wen-chieh, a Taiwan-based political analyst, provided context on the charges leveled against the influencers. He noted, “Everyone knows that the accusation against them is basically that they are advocating Taiwan independence,” adding that such charges do not require substantial evidence under China’s legal framework. Liang condemned the reward offers as “just window dressing.” Together, he argued, they provoke hatred and division within Taiwanese society.
Implications of the Bounty
The rewards for information leading to Wen and Chen’s capture range from 50,000 to 250,000 yuan (approximately $10,000 to $53,500), demonstrating China’s commitment to pursuing individuals it deems threats to its sovereignty. The Quanzhou police emphasized that the social media creators had posed significant challenges by attacking the mainland’s preferential policies toward Taiwan.
The bounties and investigations reflect Beijing’s broader strategy in dealing with Taiwan, especially as tensions continue to rise over the island’s status. Chinese authorities are not shy to threaten military aggression should Taiwan gain or show any signs of independence, making a complex relationship even more fraught.
