A Chinese rapper has been barred from performing in Taiwan after promoting his upcoming Taipei concert with language that implied the island is part of China. Wang Yitai, whose show was set for September 14, was denied entry to Taiwan after using the term “Taipei, China” in promotional materials. The Taiwanese government viewed the phrase as an insult, given its alignment with Beijing’s narrative.
The term “Taipei, China” directly reflects China’s claim over Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province despite the island’s self-governance and thriving democracy. The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan’s government body responsible for cross-strait relations, announced the cancellation and ban late Sunday, signaling that such rhetoric would not be tolerated.
Wang is based in Chengdu, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and home to several nationalist music groups, including CD Rev. The group gained notoriety for songs that aggressively support Beijing’s stance on Taiwan and criticize the island’s political leaders. Their content often crosses into offensive territory, which only heightens tensions between Taiwan and mainland China.
While Taiwan usually welcomes Chinese artists, officials made it clear that respect is a two-way street. The Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that cultural exchanges should be conducted “on the principles of reciprocity and mutual respect.” Taiwan’s refusal to allow Wang to perform sends a strong message: any attempt to undermine its sovereignty, even in the context of music and entertainment, will be firmly opposed.