On December 30, 2024, it was reported that anti-Communist internet celebrity Ba Chiong and former rap singer who once served as a template for united front work, Chen Bo-yuan, are producing a documentary on Communist Party of China’s united front strategies. The film exposes how the Chinese Communist Party attempts to influence and control the Taiwanese people through various means, including the issuance of Chinese identity cards. Experts have pointed out that this represents a new tactic in CCP’s united front efforts and should trigger widespread vigilance within Taiwanese society.
On December 6, Ba Chiong and “Min Nan Wolf PYC” Chen Bo-yuan released the first part of their documentary titled “Chinese United Front Exposed.” In the documentary, Chen Bo-yuan went undercover to Fujian Province in China, revealing how the CCP tries to seduce and manipulate Taiwanese internet celebrities for united front purposes. This has sparked significant public attention in Taiwan, and within three weeks of its release, the video has garnered over 2.9 million views.
On December 28, Ba Chiong and Chen Bo-yuan launched the second part of the documentary, where Lin Jincheng, the head of the Startup Park in Quanzhou, stated that even after obtaining Chinese identity cards, individuals could still retain their Taiwanese identity cards, passport, and Travel Permit to Taiwan. An unnamed intermediary in the film claimed that there might already be over 100,000 Taiwanese citizens holding “People’s Republic of China identity cards,” effectively possessing dual nationality which violates cross-strait regulations. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded on the 29th, stating that the government would take strict measures against such activities.
Renowned Japanese media figure, Yashita Akio, posted on Facebook commenting that in this episode of Ba Chiong’s documentary, many actual strategies employed by the CCP in their united front efforts against Taiwan are showcased. Particularly in the current political environment where the legislature and opposition parties play critical roles, these revelations are of utmost importance. The combination of CCP’s united front tactics with financial scams, as depicted in the documentary, reflects the continuous “innovation” and evolving strategies employed by the CCP towards Taiwan and should alert Taiwanese society.
Yashita Akio further analyzed the new CCP tactics in united front work and shared his thoughts after watching the documentary:
1. CCP’s united front department encourages Taiwanese people to obtain Chinese identity cards, ostensibly for convenience, but in reality, to utilize these individuals to infiltrate Taiwan politically or economically upon their return.
2. The documentary highlights that many young Taiwanese individuals, after obtaining Chinese identity cards, can easily secure loans from banks using this identity. The approval process is worryingly simple, almost akin to receiving money. This traditional bribery method is highly effective, as many young people, blinded by immediate gains, unwittingly become accomplices to Taiwan’s adversaries.
3. The significant risks involved with the CCP’s bank loan scheme are emphasized. If a business venture fails and the loan cannot be repaid, it would be naive to think that returning to Taiwan will shield one from repercussions. The film also illustrates the intricate connections between Taiwan’s underworld and official CCP channels, suggesting potential repercussions upon return to Taiwan.
4. An important point raised in the documentary is the dire economic situation faced by young people in contemporary China, with rising unemployment rates and diminishing living standards. Instead of addressing domestic issues, the CCP misuses funds to entice Taiwanese youth, allowing local officials and others to spend recklessly.
Yashita Akio expressed disappointment towards the young online “pink” supporters who continuously criticize Taiwan and rally for Xi Jinping and the CCP. After watching this documentary, they should reflect deeply on this information. The documentary hosted by Ba Jian is reportedly a popular platform for these individuals to vent their frustrations. It would be intriguing to hear their genuine thoughts after watching this eye-opening film. He expressed gratitude towards Ba Chiong, Min Nan Wolf, and the production team for courageously creating such a meaningful documentary.
According to Article 9 of the “Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area,” individuals from Taiwan are prohibited from establishing household registrations or obtaining passports from mainland China. Violations may lead to the revocation of Taiwanese household registrations and loss of Taiwanese citizenship, thereby affecting election rights, appointments, military or public service roles, and other related rights derived from holding household registrations in Taiwan.