Taiwan Cancels Concert by Chinese Rapper for Insulting ‘Taipei, China’ Ads

Taiwan has called off a planned concert by Chinese rapper Wang Yitai, scheduled to take place in Taipei on September 14. This decision comes after the artist used the term “Taipei, China” in promotional materials, a phrase that is highly controversial.

Wang, who hails from Chengdu, has also been banned from entering Taiwan, as announced by the Taiwanese government’s Mainland Affairs Council on Sunday night. The term “Taipei, China” is deemed offensive because it portrays Taiwan’s capital as a city under Beijing’s control, aligning with China’s stance on possibly annexing Taiwan by force. This description is a slight to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.

Wang Yitai is not widely known outside of China but is associated with a rap label in Chengdu, a city famous for its diverse arts scene. Chengdu is also home to the rap group CD Rev, known for their nationalistic tracks. Some of their controversial works include comparisons between Taiwan and Hong Kong and derogatory references to former President Tsai Ing-wen.

China often bans Taiwanese artists, many of whom enjoy significant popularity on the mainland, if they show any support for Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which favors the island’s de-facto independence from China.

Despite Taiwan’s usual welcoming stance towards Chinese artists, the Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that cross-strait exchanges should adhere to the principles of reciprocity and mutual respect. It added that any acts or promotions undermining Taiwan’s status would not be tolerated.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China since the government retreated to the island amid a civil war in 1950, is generally referred to simply as Taiwan. The island participates in the Olympics as “Chinese Taipei” due to Beijing’s insistence. Unfortunately, Beijing’s diplomatic pressure has left Taiwan with only 12 formal diplomatic allies.