Taiwanese veteran singer Chen Sheng, who was banned from mainland China for opposing the trade agreement, angrily criticized the leader of the Chinese Communist Party during his performance in Ximending on the night of the major recall vote on July 26th, saying: “Even if Xi Jinping offers me 100 million RMB, I still wouldn’t want to go to China.”
On July 26th, the results of Taiwan’s major recall first-round vote were announced, and no opposition lawmakers were recalled. Nearly 4 million Taiwanese participated in the voting on that day, with both major political parties acknowledging the election results, once again showcasing the maturity of democracy in Taiwan.
Taiwanese singer-songwriter Chen Sheng, who had previously declared that he had “blocked the Chinese market,” expressed his feelings during a concert in Ximending that night, stating, “I’m telling you, with the way things are now, even if Xi Jinping offers me 100 million RMB, I still wouldn’t want to go to China.”
The audience was passionate and applauded enthusiastically. Hong Kong actor Chapman To, who was following the recall in Taiwan, posted pictures of food on Facebook, saying, “Things don’t always go as planned, eat first before speaking,” and expressing gratitude, “Thank you, it’s great to have you, Taiwan,” emphasizing that “as long as this country still has democracy, there is hope.”
Chen Sheng, known for his quick wit and outspoken nature, has been vocal about his stance on cross-strait issues in the past. After the Sunflower Movement, he boldly declared, “I don’t need money, I’ve blocked off the Chinese market.” Refusing to profit from the Chinese Renminbi, Chen Sheng insists on loving Taiwan in his own way, even using several classic songs to prove that “Taiwanese won’t starve without earning money from the mainland!” A decade later, he still upholds his beliefs and receives praise from his fans.
With all recall votes unsuccessful, Yang Da, the lead singer of the band “Fire Extinguisher,” consoled netizens on Facebook, saying, “There’s nothing to be devastated about, it’s just maintaining the status quo for now, let’s all work together and continue to strive, thank you to everyone who has worked hard, the darkness will pass, and the sun will shine again!”
Golden Horse Award winner for Best Supporting Actor Chen Muyi also paid tribute to all recall volunteers in his post, thanking them for showing the dignity of Taiwanese people to the world. Golden Bell TV King Zhuang Kaixun posted a photo of birds soaring freely on Facebook, expressing a sense of sadness but also stating that “regardless of the outcome, it’s the Taiwanese voters who cast their votes one by one, even with different opinions, we should respect the results,” and still feeling “proud of (his choice)”; Prime-time drama actress Chen Peiqi took a positive attitude, believing that regardless of the results, Taiwan has taken a big step forward in democracy, and called on everyone to “keep fighting on 823.”
Various Taiwanese celebrities took turns to speak out, using their own ways to protect and love this land of Taiwan. Following his words, Chen Sheng sang the classic song “Never Let You Be Alone,” stirring mixed emotions among netizens.