Teacher stripped of Taiwanese citizenship seeks return, sparks online backlash

A Taiwanese teacher, Zhang Li-chi, who gained notoriety for his strong pro-China statements and desire to join the Communist Party, is now seeking to reclaim his Taiwanese identity after it was revoked. Zhang, who taught in Fujian, China, had his citizenship stripped in 2024 after applying for permanent residency in mainland China.

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Return my legal Taiwanese identity.

In a recent video, Zhang directly addressed Chiu Chui-cheng, chairman of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, and its spokesperson, Liang Wen-chieh, demanding the return of his "legal Taiwanese identity." He criticized the council's officials, alleging that their policies restrict cross-strait exchanges and harm the interests of the people, citing examples like import restrictions on agricultural products to China.

His plea has been met with widespread criticism from netizens. Many online commenters expressed disbelief and anger, questioning his past anti-Taiwan sentiments. Remarks included suggestions that he should "just be a proud Chinese Communist Party member" and to "stop pretending to be Taiwanese." Some users urged him to continue his pro-China rhetoric to expose the consequences of such actions to certain political factions in Taiwan.

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Taiwanese netizens largely condemned his request, with many pointing out his previous anti-Taiwan sentiments and suggesting he embrace his Chinese identity.

Adding to his difficulties, Zhang appears to be facing challenges in China as well. A Chinese commentary channel, "Dongda Chedashi," noted that Zhang has been largely forgotten in China's efforts to use "internet celebrities" and "traffic stars" for its united front campaigns targeting Taiwan. Despite his frequent online declarations of loyalty to China, he was not included in the guest list or featured in photos from a recent Straits Forum event, an occasion where other Taiwanese figures typically receive attention and engagement.

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Taiwanese netizens largely condemned his request, with many pointing out his previous anti-Taiwan sentiments and suggesting he embrace his Chinese identity.