Taiwanese officials have canceled an upcoming concert by Chinese rapper Wang Yitai after he referred to the city as "Taipei, China" in promotional materials, according to BBC. The Taipei authorities' Mainland Affairs Council announced late Sunday that Wang's September 14 performance would not proceed, and the artist has been barred from entering the island.
The council stated that the term "Taipei, China" was unacceptable as it implies Taipei is under Beijing's rule over what it considers a renegade province. "Cross-strait exchanges should be conducted based on the principles of reciprocity and mutual respect, and any publications or promotions that belittle Taiwan's status will not be tolerated," the Mainland Affairs Council said in its statement.
Wang, a relatively unknown artist outside China, is signed to a rap label in Chengdu, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene and eclectic performers. Chengdu is also home to the controversial rap group CD Rev, known for their nationalist tracks that have drawn international attention for their hard-line stance on Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as for making obscene and misogynistic references to former President Tsai Ing-wen.
While Tai[pei authorities generally welcome artists from the mainland, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the two sides. Beijing routinely bans island-based artists who show any support for the Democratic Progressive Party in the territory, which leans towards maintaining the island's de facto independence.
Taiwan competes in international events, including the Olympics, under the name "Chinese Taipei" as a compromise with Beijing. This reflects the complex political situation surrounding Taiwan's status, as China's diplomatic pressure has reduced the number of countries formally recognizing Taiwan to just 12.
