Tzuyu Chou targeted by China for potential cultural influence in Taiwan

Reports indicate that Chinese authorities are eyeing Tzuyu Chou, a member of the K-pop group TWICE, as a potential tool for cultural influence among Taiwanese youth. As her contract with JYP Entertainment approaches its end, there are concerns that Beijing may attempt to use market access to encourage a political stance supporting the ‘One China’ principle.

This follows a significant incident in 2015 when the then-minor Tzuyu faced intense backlash in China after waving the Republic of China flag. She was forced to issue a formal apology, an event that became a symbol of political pressure for many in Taiwan. Analysts suggest that Beijing now views her as a high-value target because her fanbase in Taiwan is predominantly composed of young people under the age of 30.

Despite previous restrictions on Korean entertainment in China, Tzuyu and TWICE have maintained massive popularity in Taiwan, selling out major venues in Kaohsiung and Taipei. Observers note that the shift in strategy—from using political pressure to offering market incentives—represents an attempt to transform a past diplomatic failure into a successful model for cultural unification efforts.