Chinese Citizens Reporting on Taiwan’s Path through Snitch Program
“Snitch Program”
The Chinese Communist Party has escalated its campaign against Taiwan’s independence by launching an online platform that encourages citizens to report individuals who recognize Taiwan as a separate country. The program, established by the “Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council,” invites informants to identify those who support Taiwan’s sovereignty, effectively creating a government-sanctioned blacklist of political targets. This development comes after a controversial incident where several Chinese nationals in Taiwan faced consequences for advocating mainland China’s positions, including calls for invasion of the island democracy.
According to Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times, the reporting platform was created to identify “enemies of communism” and is a direct response to what they characterize as the “arrogance of secessionist figures.” The platform appears as a floating window on the Taiwan Affairs Office’s official website, presenting itself as a resource for those seeking help after alleged persecution. However, its true purpose appears to be identifying and potentially targeting individuals who affirm Taiwan’s status as an independent nation.
The “Yaya in Taiwan” Controversy
The launch of this reporting platform follows a significant diplomatic incident involving three Chinese women who had their Taiwan visas and residency permits revoked. The most prominent among them, an influencer known as Liu Zhenya or “Yaya in Taiwan,” was deported for spreading what Taiwanese authorities described as “war propaganda.” Liu had amassed a following by creating content about life in Taiwan while subtly promoting reunification with mainland China, a position that aligns with Beijing’s territorial claims over the island.
“We express serious concern over this and believe that those responsible must be severely punished,” said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office.
Another individual involved in the controversy, identified as Xiao Wei, claimed her pro-China content was motivated by financial gain rather than political conviction. Despite this attempt to distance herself from political advocacy, she still faced consequences from Taiwanese authorities. It’s worth noting that while these individuals had their residency permissions revoked, they do not face criminal charges—highlighting the significant difference in how the two governments handle political speech.
Escalating Cross-Strait Tensions
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has characterized Taiwan’s actions as suppressing dissent and free speech, labeling it “green terror” in reference to the colors associated with Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party. This accusation comes despite China’s well-documented history of silencing political dissidents and committing human rights abuses against its own citizens. The stark contrast between Taiwan’s democratic governance and China’s authoritarian approach is evident in how each handles political expression.
“If such incidents are not met with targeted actions, they will only become more arrogant in the future,” stated Zheng Jian, director of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University.
Since the platform’s launch, hundreds of complaints have reportedly been filed against individuals in Taiwan, targeting influencers, politicians, and others who affirm Taiwan’s independence. The consequences for those named on China’s blacklist remain unclear, though many of those identified have responded defiantly. Taiwan continues to function as a sovereign nation with its own government, military, and legal system, despite China’s persistent claims over the territory and increasing pressure on the international community to isolate the island democracy.
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