Mainland calls on Taiwan entertainers to embrace Chinese identity

A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday called on entertainers in Taiwan to take pride in their Chinese identity and contribute to closer ties and greater exchanges between people across the Taiwan Strait.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular news conference that safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is a common obligation of all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots.

His remarks came in response to Taiwan entertainer Tsai Kang-yong, also known as Kevin Tsai, who recently said he had never supported "Taiwan independence" after appearing at a campaign event for Shen Pao-yang, the Democratic Progressive Party candidate for the Taipei mayoral election. Shen was listed by the mainland as a diehard "Taiwan independence" separatist in 2024.

Tsai's appearance at Shen's campaign event prompted several mainland companies to end their cooperation with him. As a famous television host, Tsai has been active on both sides of the Taiwan Strait in recent years.

On Sunday evening, Tsai posted on mainland social media that he had always supported friendly cross-Strait exchanges and had never supported "Taiwan independence". He said he had visited events attended by various interviewees to gather information and make observations, and apologized for any confusion caused by his actions.

"We always respect and protect the legitimate freedom of speech and expression of Taiwan compatriots," the spokesman said. "However, there is no room for ambiguity on matters of fundamental importance concerning national sovereignty, security and development interests."

Chen also called on Taiwan entertainers to take pride in being Chinese and contribute more to strengthening the bonds between people across the Taiwan Strait and promoting cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation.