Asia| Unwanted influence
As Chinese drills begin, Taiwan expels mainland influencers
The government is drawing new lines around acceptable speech
Chinese influencer 'Yaya' leaves Taiwan after residency revoked over pro-Beijing stance
Photograph: Getty Images
IN THE AIR and seas around Taiwan, China’s armed forces launched large-scale military exercises on April 1st, warning that the “reunification” of the self-ruling island—by military means if necessary—was “an unstoppable trend”. On the same day, Taiwan’s government took action against what it regards as the growing threat from within. Zhao Chan, a woman from the mainland whose online posts promoted Taiwan’s forced takeover by China, was deported. “I love the party and love my country,” she shouted as journalists jostled around her at Taipei’s airport. “Have I done anything wrong?”