Chinese actor Zhang Linghe's Straits Forum speech sparks online controversy over alleged 'Taiwanese' troll accounts

Chinese actor Zhang Linghe's appearance at the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen has sparked controversy, with allegations of coordinated online campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion.

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I am very much looking forward to more exchanges between the two sides in the fields of film and television, music, and culture in the future, and I also hope that young people on both sides of the strait will have enough opportunities to interact.

Zhang, who gained popularity across Asia for his role in the historical drama "Lost You Forever," was invited to speak at the forum. He addressed attendees in Hokkien, attempting to connect with the Taiwanese audience. In his speech, Zhang expressed hopes for increased cultural exchange in film, music, and other areas, and encouraged more interaction between young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized shared cultural roots and the power of culture to bridge divides.

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firmly believe that people on both sides of the strait are of the same origin and connected by blood, with inseparable cultural roots. The power of culture can always cross mountains and seas, connecting compatriots on both sides of the strait.

However, the event took a contentious turn when numerous accounts on the social media platform Threads began posting messages that appeared to be from Taiwanese individuals. These accounts, many lacking profile pictures and with limited follower counts, allegedly shared photos and videos of Zhang's speech, accompanied by comments such as "If Zhang Linghe were my husband, I'd be willing to be unified with the mainland" and "This is what the DPP calls united front work? I just want more of it."

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If Zhang Linghe were my husband, I'd be willing to be unified with the mainland

These posts were met with swift backlash from Taiwanese netizens, who accused the accounts of being fake and part of a propaganda effort. Critics questioned why these accounts were pretending to be Taiwanese and suggested that the campaign was a clear attempt at "united front" work. Many expressed that their admiration for Zhang's acting did not extend to political allegiance, with some fans stating they would continue to support him as an actor but would not compromise their Taiwanese identity. The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions and information warfare surrounding cross-strait relations.

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This is what the DPP calls united front work? I just want more of it.