The Chinese social media influencer behind “Yaya in Taiwan” (亞亞在台灣) was confronted by Taiwanese protesters and activists on Tuesday while holding a press conference outside the Interior Ministry as a last effort to remain in Taiwan. The influencer, surnamed Liu, has been ordered to leave Taiwan by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) before midnight Tuesday due to her statements promoting military annexation of Taiwan, yet had publicly announced her intentions to stay, denying any wrongdoing.

Liu's husband (left) stands with a hat, sunglasses, and mask on next to Liu (right). (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)

Liu said she loves both Taiwan and the “mainland,” arguing her case to stay by emphasizing that her home and children are both in Taiwan. Liu claimed that her comments regarding a military annexation of Taiwan were merely speculative.

Liu and her husband stand hand-in-hand at the press conference on March 25, 2025. (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)

Liu’s husband, who stood hand-in-hand with Liu during the press conference, claimed that his wife is a victim of character assassination, and requested an extension to allow her to remain in Taiwan for the duration of the appeals process.

Chen Po-yuan (left), also known as "Minnan Wolf" (閩南狼), stands beside Pa Chiung (right), surrounded by protesters. (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)

More than 100 protesters showed up in support of Liu’s deportation, with YouTube creator and anti-CCP activist Pa Chiung (八炯) and rapper Chen Po-yuan (陳柏源) spearheading the rally. Holding signs reading “If your motherland is so great, go back!” and “Freedom of expression is not calling for an invasion,” ralliers repeated the slogans “Go back” (滾回去) and “8964” in reference to the Tiananmen Square Massacre that happened on June 4, 1989.

Protesters hold signs in support of Liu's deportation and in opposition to her statements. (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)
One protester holds a hand-drawn sign depicting Winnie the Pooh and the numbers "8964." (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)

Liu blames Pa Chiung for the revocation of her residence permit because the activist reported her video content. Pa Chiung, who received an invitation from Liu to debate in person on Monday, expressed his willingness to take Liu up on her offer. Representatives from the Taiwan International Family Association (TIFA), who helped organize the event, said they would allow time for the debate following statements from Liu, her husband, and their supporters.

Pa Chiung requested a debate with Liu multiple times. (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)

Mere seconds after calling Pa Chiung to the stage, however, the organizers announced that the press conference officially ended. Following, Liu and her husband swiftly exited the area. Pa Chiung made multiple peaceful attempts to approach the stage before and during the invite but was held back by several police officers.

Pa Chiung was stopped by police when trying to approach the stage. (Photo: CNA)
A protester holds a sign reading "Everyone resist the CCP." (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)
Joss paper with notes such as "Returning the CCP Chinese spouse" written on them cover the ground. The notes were cleaned up by before protesters before leaving. (Photo: Tristan Hilderbrand)