Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) released a statement this Thursday regarding the National Immigration Agency (NIA) and the Cabinet denying a Chinese man entry into Taiwan after calling it “Taiwan, China” online. 

The man, surnamed Liang, had previously visited Taiwan and shared videos of his trip on the social networking platform Xiaohongshu. Liang referred to his location as “Taiwan, China,” and included the Chinese flag. The NIA said it received a public complaint last year about the video.

Citing previous actions violating equality and dignity, the NIA restricted Liang from visiting Taiwan on a tourist visa for two years. 

Liang claimed this restricted his freedom of speech, and filed an appeal. The appeal was rejected by the Cabinet this March. Interior Minister Liu spoke at the Legislature this Thursday regarding the matter.

Minister Liu disclosed that everything was done in accordance with the law, and emphasized that anyone who sets foot on Taiwanese soil must abide by Taiwan’s laws.

The interior minister said, “Anyone, whether a foreigner or an official, who applies to come to Taiwan must abide by Taiwan’s laws and regulations, whether it’s an administrative appeal or a re-entry ban imposed by the Immigration Agency. We urge those coming to Taiwan to act in accordance with Taiwanese law.”