Chinese authorities have commended Taiwanese actress and model Lin Chi-ling for resigning from her role on the board of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). Her departure follows significant backlash from Taiwan’s arts community and criticism regarding her previous pro-Beijing remarks.
On May 13, the TAICCA announced Lin's appointment alongside producer Liu Szu-ming and actress Chen Shiang-chyi, aiming to incorporate “diverse professional perspectives” to enhance the internationalisation of Taiwanese cultural content. The agency praised Lin’s extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific entertainment sector, highlighting her status as a prominent figure in promoting Taiwanese pop culture globally.
However, the announcement was met with swift criticism. Critics pointed to Lin's past comments, including her congratulatory message to China on its National Day, which fueled concerns about her suitability for the role. In light of the controversy, Taiwan's Minister of Culture, Li Yuan, clarified on May 15 that Lin's position was unpaid and she would not influence the operations of Taiwan's National Development Fund.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed approval of Lin's decision to step down. He criticized the TAICCA for allegedly promoting narratives that “distort history and hype the ‘mainland threat’,” asserting that the agency has become a political tool in the cultural landscape.
