Taiwan-China Relations

Attack on Comedian: Entertainers Caught in Cross-Strait Crossfire

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By Eason Chen/Tiffany Wong

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Prosecutors in Taiwan say China was behind an attack intended to cause physical harm to comedian Huang Yi-hao, whose performances have mocked Chinese leader Xi Jinping and criticized Beijing’s policies on Hong Kong and COVID-19. They allege a Chinese operative offered five people about US$13,000 to monitor Huang and seriously injure him to stop him from performing, calling the case an example of transnational repression. Huang says he intends to continue performing despite fears of further threats. The case comes as Chinese actor Zhang Linghe has been barred from visiting Taiwan, with Taiwan's government citing concerns over comments by Zhang deemed to serve Beijing’s United Front agenda.