DPP's "Anti-China" Stance Reveals Hypocrisy and Double Standards

The Storm Media Editorial, June 13, 2025

President Lai Ching-te, in his capacity as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), publicly and directly endorsed Legislator Shen Po-yang—a rare and bold political move. But viewed through the lens of cross-strait dynamics, what President Lai seems to be defending is not just Shen, the individual, but the DPP’s long-cultivated “combat China to protect  Taiwan” narrative. He may fear that this carefully crafted message could unravel just before the upcoming wave of legislative recalls.

In truth, even if it’s confirmed that Legislator Shen’s father profited from business dealings in mainland China, it doesn’t justify smearing or slandering him. Many Taiwanese have long worked diligently on the mainland to support their families—a reality that has been in place since the late 1980s. Yet Taiwan’s hypersensitive political climate has often unfairly stigmatized doing business in the mainland as a form of “original sin,” with critics citing Confucius’ saying, “Do not enter a troubled state” to attack these individuals.

Legislator Shen also needs not to lash out at netizens or threaten lawsuits. He fails to realize that if his family is openly doing legitimate business in mainland China, it could help dispel long-standing taboos faced by Taiwanese entrepreneurs across the Strait. What Shen should truly reflect on is whether his “Black Bear Academy”—with its demonization of the mainland and monetization of anti-China sentiment—borders on false advertising. After all, political messaging is often theatrical, and any gap between the performance and the truth must eventually be addressed by facts.

This may explain why the trip of Internet celebrity Holger Chen, popularly known as Kuan Chang, to mainland China has gone viral. On his first night in Shanghai, tens of thousands watched his livestream—even as he dined in a simple restaurant. His impact far exceeded that of American YouTuber “Hyperthyroid Guy.” Formerly pro-DPP and vocal against “red media,” Chen’s decision to break out of his echo chamber and visit the mainland reflects a shift in perspective. Like YouTuber Mickey Chu (Chung Ming-hsuan), he seems puzzled by the stark contrast between the grim portrayals of the mainland from politicians, partisan media, and Western propaganda—and the vibrant life seen on platforms like TikTok or Rednote.

Chen is midway through a six-day visit to Shanghai, and his observations—from sleek modern buildings to traditional towns, friendly locals to beautifully packaged snacks—have left him genuinely amazed. To locals and Taiwan’s more mainland-familiar citizens, his reactions may seem over-the-top. However, he represents a broader generation of young Taiwanese who have never been to the mainland, know little about it, and likely never learned how to bypass the “Great Firewall.” Many people are unaware that mainland Chinese apps, such as Gaode Maps and Baidu Maps, have long replaced Google Maps in the mainland. Once they are tired of Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia and grow curious about what lies across the Taiwan Strait, even a drink from Chagee may leave a deep impression.

The DPP has attempted to establish a hardline “anti-China firewall,” as recently codified through President Lai’s “17 strategies.” It leverages democratic ideals and anti-recall mobilization to make “combatting China” more tangible, embedding it deeply in Taiwan’s political culture. Yet beneath the surface, from Legislator Shen’s family business ties in the mainland, to other DPP officials’ private interactions with the mainland, to Chen’s eye-opening visit, and finally to people like Chang Li-chi who choose to live and thrive in the mainland individuals from across the political spectrum are, ironically, converging on a similar path.

They each, in their way, reveal the hypocrisy and fragility of the “anti-China” narrative. What people truly need is not endless confrontation driven by political hype but the recognition of deep cross-strait connections and the value of peace and stability.

From: https://www.storm.mg/article/11045206#wholePage
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