Taipei [Taiwan], August 25 (ANI): Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) has deported a Japanese social media influencer after he appeared in a controversial TikTok video declaring that ‘Taiwan belongs to China,’ in accordance with a Focus Taiwan report.
According to Focus Taiwan, the video filmed on August 18 on the iconic Ximending LGBTQ Rainbow landmark in Taipei confirmed two Japanese nationals, one figuring out himself as Aira Todomi and the opposite as 42-year-old Hiroyuki Tanaka. In the clip, each males unfurled the flag of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) whereas professing their ‘deep love for China’. It was Tanaka’s comment on Taiwan’s sovereignty that triggered the backlash.
The NIA said that the video violated Item 13 of Article 18 of Taiwan’s Immigration Act, which permits the federal government to deport or bar entry to foreigners deemed to hazard nationwide pursuits or public safety. While the company didn’t element how the video met these situations, it pressured that the feedback made had been ‘inappropriate’, Focus Taiwan said.
On Monday morning, Tanaka was expelled from Taiwan and banned from re-entry. Todomi, who had left the island instantly after the filming, has additionally been blacklisted, the NIA confirmed. The investigation additional revealed that Tanaka, who’s married to a Taiwanese nationwide, admitted he participated within the video to spice up his on-line following, notably amongst viewers in China.
In the TikTok footage, Todomi, talking in fluent Mandarin and Japanese, mentioned that any disputes between Taiwan and China ought to be resolved ‘between the 2 sides’, whereas expressing hope for nearer Sino-Japanese ties. Tanaka echoed his remarks earlier than delivering the road that value him his keep in Taiwan. Later, Todomi continued filming close to Taipei Main Station, holding each the PRC and Japanese flags.
The video drew sharp criticism from Taiwanese netizens and political influencers, with some reporting the incident to the NIA. The company confirmed that each people had entered Taiwan beneath the Taiwan-Japan visa-free programme, Focus Taiwan famous.
The NIA reiterated that whereas overseas guests are welcome, statements or actions undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty is not going to be tolerated, some extent emphasised repeatedly in its assertion. (ANI)