Taiwan Deports Chinese Nationals Over Pro-China Posts

Key Takeaways

• Taiwan increased deportations of Chinese nationals over espionage, propaganda, and national security threats in 2025.
• At least 19 Chinese individuals lost residence status; deported mostly social media influencers promoting forced unification.
• Deportation includes permit revocation, 10-day exit orders, and five-year bans on residency reapplication.

Taiwan Steps Up Deportation of Chinese Nationals Over Security Concerns

Taiwan 🇹🇼 is stepping up deportation actions against Chinese nationals amid growing concerns about espionage, propaganda, and threats to national security. While there has been no official announcement of a mass deportation of “thousands” of Chinese nationals as of May 22, 2025, authorities have intensified their review of Chinese-born residents and have deported several high-profile individuals, especially social media influencers accused of advocating for China’s military unification with Taiwan or spreading Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda.

This article explains what’s happening, why Taiwan is taking these steps, how the deportation process works, and what it means for Chinese nationals, Taiwanese society, and cross-strait relations.

Why Is Taiwan Deporting Chinese Nationals?

The main reason for these deportations is national security. Taiwan’s government says it is responding to a rise in Chinese influence operations, espionage, and propaganda campaigns targeting the island. President William Lai Ching-te has described the situation as a need to address “enemies within,” reflecting a broader government effort to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and social stability.

Key points driving the crackdown:

• Espionage and Propaganda: Authorities are concerned about Chinese nationals using social media and other platforms to promote unification by force or spread CCP messages.
• Illegal Chinese IDs: Some Chinese-born residents are suspected of holding illegal Chinese identification documents, which is against Taiwanese law.
• Public Advocacy: Individuals who publicly call for the elimination of Taiwan’s sovereignty or support military action against Taiwan are being targeted for deportation.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these actions are part of a larger effort to counter growing Chinese influence and protect Taiwan’s democratic system.

Who Is Affected?

Chinese Nationals in Taiwan

There are over 360,000 Chinese spouses living in Taiwan, along with businesspeople, students, and other residents from China 🇨🇳. The recent crackdown focuses on:

• Social Media Influencers: Those with large followings who publicly support China’s military unification with Taiwan.
• Residents Suspected of Espionage: Individuals believed to be involved in spying or spreading propaganda.
• Holders of Illegal Chinese IDs: Chinese-born residents who have not followed proper legal procedures for residency.

Recent High-Profile Deportations

Several well-known Chinese influencers married to Taiwanese citizens have recently lost their residence permits and been deported or left Taiwan voluntarily after being accused of advocating for China’s annexation of Taiwan by force.

Examples include:

• Liu Zhenya (“Yaya in Taiwan”): Ordered to leave by March 25, 2025, after her residence permit was revoked for promoting military unification. She left voluntarily before the deadline.
• Zhao (“En Qi”): Left Taiwan just before her deportation deadline on March 31, 2025.
• Zhang (“Xiao Wei”): Failed to leave on time and was forcibly deported on April 1, 2025.

As of April 26, 2025, at least 19 people have had their Taiwanese residence status withdrawn, with some even losing citizenship due to the crackdown on illegal Chinese IDs and suspected espionage.

How Does the Deportation Process Work?

Deportation of Chinese nationals in Taiwan is governed by the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. This law allows authorities to deport or order the departure of any Chinese national considered a threat to national or social stability, provided there is enough evidence.

Step-by-step deportation process:

1. Investigation: Authorities monitor social media, public statements, and other activities for evidence of advocacy for military unification or threats to national security.
2. Permit Revocation: If sufficient evidence is found, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) revokes the individual’s residence permit.
3. Deportation Order: The person receives a formal deportation order, usually with a 10-day deadline to leave Taiwan voluntarily.
4. Appeal: The individual can file an appeal, but recent court decisions have upheld the NIA’s actions.
5. Enforcement: If the person does not leave by the deadline, immigration authorities forcibly deport them.
6. Ban: The individual is banned from reapplying for certain residency statuses, such as family-based residency, for five years.

For more details on the legal process and rights, readers can visit the National Immigration Agency’s official website.

What Are the Legal Grounds for Deportation?

The Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area is the main legal tool used for these deportations. Under this law, Chinese nationals can be deported or ordered to leave Taiwan if:

• They are found to be a threat to national or social stability.
• They possess illegal Chinese identification documents.
• They engage in activities that undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty or promote CCP propaganda.

The law is designed to give Taiwan flexibility in responding to changing security threats, especially as cross-strait tensions rise.

What Is the Scope of the Current Crackdown?

Review of Chinese-Born Residents

In April 2025, Taiwan launched a campaign to review the residence status of tens of thousands of residents born in China. The focus is on those suspected of:

• Holding illegal Chinese IDs.
• Engaging in espionage or propaganda activities.
• Violating residency laws.

While there has been no mass deportation of thousands of Chinese nationals, the ongoing review could lead to more revocations and deportations if evidence of illegal activity or security threats is found.

Impact on Chinese Spouses and Families

Many Chinese nationals in Taiwan are married to Taiwanese citizens. The crackdown has created anxiety among these families, as even those with long-term residency or citizenship could face investigation if suspected of illegal activity.

Key risks for Chinese nationals:

• Loss of Residence Permits: Immediate revocation if found to be a security threat.
• Ban on Reapplying: Five-year ban on reapplying for family-based residency.
• Potential Loss of Citizenship: In rare cases, citizenship can be withdrawn if obtained through illegal means.

How Are Taiwanese Authorities Responding?

The National Immigration Agency (NIA) is the main agency responsible for executing deportations and reviewing residency status. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) oversees cross-strait relations and supports the NIA’s enforcement actions.

Officials have stated that advocating for the elimination of Taiwan’s sovereignty is “not tolerated by [Taiwanese] society.” President William Lai Ching-te has emphasized the need to address internal threats and protect Taiwan’s democracy.

Official resources for affected individuals:

• National Immigration Agency (NIA): For questions about residency status, deportation procedures, or appeals.
• Mainland Affairs Council (MAC): For policy updates and cross-strait relations.

What Are the Broader Implications?

For Chinese Nationals in Taiwan

• Increased Risk: Those expressing pro-unification or pro-CCP views, especially on public platforms, face a higher risk of deportation.
• Heightened Scrutiny: Chinese spouses, businesspeople, and students are under closer watch, especially if suspected of holding illegal Chinese IDs or engaging in suspicious activities.
• Legal Uncertainty: Even long-term residents may be subject to investigation if new evidence emerges.

For Taiwanese Society

The crackdown has sparked debate over:

• Freedom of Expression: Some worry that deporting people for their views could limit free speech.
• Rights of Chinese Spouses: Families with Chinese spouses are concerned about the impact on their loved ones’ residency and legal status.
• National Security: Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to protect Taiwan from foreign influence and espionage.

For Cross-Strait Relations

The Chinese government and state media have condemned the deportations, calling them repression of pro-China expression. Beijing is using these cases in propaganda to try to undermine Taiwanese unity and portray Taiwan as repressive.

International observers note that Taiwan’s actions reflect broader regional concerns about Chinese espionage and influence campaigns, as highlighted by recent US and allied intelligence reports.

Multiple Perspectives on the Crackdown

Supporters say the measures are needed to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and prevent Chinese infiltration. They point to increasing Chinese military and propaganda activities as justification for stricter controls.

Critics argue that the crackdown risks undermining freedom of expression and could alienate a significant demographic within Taiwan. Some see the deportations as symbolic and potentially counterproductive, providing propaganda material for Beijing and deepening divisions in Taiwanese society.

Historical Context

Taiwan has long faced pressure from China, which claims the island as its own and has increased military and propaganda activities in recent years. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has stepped up efforts to infiltrate Taiwanese society through disinformation, espionage, and influence operations. In response, Taiwan has tightened internal security measures and used existing laws to deport individuals deemed threats.

What Happens Next?

Continued Scrutiny

The Taiwanese government is expected to maintain or even increase scrutiny of Chinese nationals, especially those with public platforms or suspected of holding illegal Chinese IDs.

Potential for Broader Deportations

While there is no evidence of a mass deportation of thousands, the ongoing review of tens of thousands of Chinese-born residents could result in more revocations and deportations if authorities find evidence of illegal activity or security threats.

Ongoing Tensions

These actions are likely to remain a flashpoint in Taiwan-China relations, with Beijing using deportations as propaganda and Taiwan emphasizing the need for national security.

What Should Chinese Nationals in Taiwan Do?

If you are a Chinese national living in Taiwan, especially as a spouse, businessperson, or student, consider the following steps:

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest policies from the National Immigration Agency and Mainland Affairs Council.
• Review Your Status: Make sure your residency documents are in order and that you do not possess illegal Chinese IDs.
• Be Cautious Online: Avoid making public statements that could be interpreted as advocating for military unification or undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you receive a deportation order or have concerns about your status, consult with an immigration lawyer or contact the NIA for guidance.
• Know Your Rights: You have the right to appeal a deportation order, but recent cases show that courts have generally supported the NIA’s decisions.

Summary Table: Recent Chinese National Deportations from Taiwan

Practical Takeaways

• No mass deportation of thousands has occurred, but Taiwan is actively deporting individuals—mainly social media influencers—who advocate for China’s military annexation of Taiwan or are suspected of espionage.
• Tens of thousands of Chinese-born residents are under review, and more deportations could follow if evidence of illegal activity or security threats is found.
• Chinese nationals in Taiwan should ensure their legal status is in order, avoid public advocacy for military unification, and seek legal help if facing deportation.
• Taiwanese society remains divided over the balance between national security and freedom of expression, with the crackdown likely to remain a contentious issue.

For official information and assistance, contact the National Immigration Agency or the Mainland Affairs Council.

By staying informed and understanding the current environment, Chinese nationals and their families in Taiwan can better protect their rights and plan for any changes in policy or enforcement.

Learn Today

Deportation → Official removal of a foreign national from Taiwan due to legal or security concerns.
Residence Permit → Legal authorization allowing a foreign national to live temporarily in Taiwan.
Espionage → Spying activities aimed at gathering confidential information to threaten national security.
Propaganda → Information spread to influence public opinion, often used here by CCP for political goals.
Act Governing Relations → Taiwan law regulating interactions and legal status of Chinese nationals from the mainland.

This Article in a Nutshell

Taiwan intensifies deportations of Chinese nationals accused of espionage and spreading CCP propaganda, focusing on social media influencers. This crackdown protects national security amid rising cross-strait tensions. Authorities revoke residence permits, order departures, and enforce strict bans, signaling Taiwan’s determination to safeguard sovereignty and societal stability against foreign influence.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• KXAN report reveals new trends in deportation across Texas
• Trump Administration Unleashes Deportation Blitz Nationwide
• Trump Administration Slammed for Secret Deportation Move
• Trump Administration Deports ‘Barbaric’ Illegal Migrants
• Appeals court orders return of Daniel Lozano-Camargo after deportation