Mainland student deported from Taiwan over controversial video of President Lai

A Mainland Chinese exchange student at National Taiwan University has been deported from Taiwan following the publication of a controversial video on Douyin. The student used a forced perspective technique to create an image that appeared to be ‘pinching’ the head of President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by captions such as ‘take down little Lai Ching-te.’

The National Immigration Agency revoked the student's entry permit, citing a violation of the ‘principle of reciprocal dignity’ and noting that the behavior caused social disturbance. The student has since deleted the video, apologized, and departed Taiwan. The agency also imposed a five-year ban on the individual's future entry applications.

The incident has sparked political debate regarding the boundaries of freedom of speech and the proportionality of government enforcement. Members of the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party questioned whether the punishment was excessive for a joke or political satire. National Taiwan University stated it respects the government's legal enforcement while emphasizing the importance of maintaining an environment of mutual respect and free expression on campus.