In a contentious turn of events, China is reportedly exerting pressure on the prominent Taiwanese rock band Mayday to make pro-China statements ahead of Taiwan’s crucial elections next month, as per sources familiar with the matter and a security note from Taiwan reviewed by Reuters.
The National Radio and Television Administration of China purportedly urged Mayday to publicly endorse Beijing’s assertion that Taiwan is part of China and participate in China’s “media propaganda on Taiwan,” as indicated by an internal security note from Taiwan authorities.
Amidst their popularity in China, Mayday faces increasing challenges as Beijing intensifies political pressure on Taiwanese celebrities. In December, Chinese authorities announced an investigation against Mayday, alleging lip-syncing during a recent concert in China—a claim Mayday’s management company, B’in Music, vehemently denied.
While Mayday has yet to comment on the alleged political pressure, a source with direct knowledge of the situation revealed that Chinese authorities sought unspecified “political service” from the band, met with non-compliance. In response, authorities reportedly threatened the band with the ongoing lip-syncing probe and a potential fine.
The investigation’s outcomes and any penalties are pending public disclosure. Taiwan officials, citing intelligence, assert that China’s multifaceted campaign against Mayday is an unprecedented effort to influence voters ahead of Taiwan’s Jan. 13 elections.
This campaign, led by China’s Publicity Department, involves coverage in official Chinese media, including the People’s Daily, CCTV, and Xinhua News Agency, along with legal assertions against lip-syncing published by Procuratorate Daily. Taiwan officials caution that Beijing is deploying new methods to interfere in elections, ranging from trade sanctions to military maneuvers. China frames the elections as a choice between “peace and war,” branding the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as separatists.
This latest episode underscores China’s ongoing efforts to pressure Taiwanese figures, companies, and international entities to align with its narrative on Taiwan’s status.