TAO Welcomes Zhang Linghe's Taiwan Visit; MAC Says China Should Resolve Internal Debates First
Following China's TAO statement welcoming popular actor Zhang Linghe to visit Taiwan, Taiwan's MAC retorted. Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh noted Chinese state media's own criticism of the actor's makeup, suggesting Beijing resolve its internal contradictions before discussing cultural exchanges.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 21:32
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 22:02 (29 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 23:00 (58 min after Collected)
(CNA Reporter Liao Wen-chi, Taipei, 23rd) The Chinese historical romance drama "Zhu Yu" has recently exploded in popularity in Taiwan, making its lead actor Zhang Linghe highly popular as well. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) stated yesterday that it is happy to see mainland artists visit Taiwan for exchanges. Today, Liang Wen-chieh, Deputy Minister and Spokesperson of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), responded that Chinese officials themselves have leveled much criticism against Zhang Linghe and should settle their internal debates before talking about exchanges.
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) held a routine press conference today, hosted by Liang Wen-chieh.
Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun recently revealed during a radio program interview that a young person told her: "Why do you adults make cross-strait relations so complicated? Just invite Zhang Linghe to Taiwan, and that's it."
These remarks were also brought up for discussion at yesterday's TAO press conference. TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded that the mainland has consistently supported two-way engagement in the cross-strait film and cultural sectors and is happy to see mainland artists visit Taiwan for exchanges and to meet the Taiwanese public.
When asked for his views today, Liang Wen-chieh stated that after the star's name "Zhang Linghe" appeared at yesterday's TAO press conference, he specifically looked it up and noticed that "Zhu Yu," starring Zhang Linghe, is quite popular in Taiwan.
Liang Wen-chieh pointed out that the propaganda departments on the other side of the strait actually have a lot of criticism regarding Zhang Linghe. For example, a media platform under the People's Liberation Army said he "applied excessive rouge and powder," calling him the "lotion general" or the "foundation general." China's National Radio and Television Administration also stated the need to eliminate the worship of facial beauty and ban abnormal aesthetics.
Liang Wen-chieh said, "Anyway, the Chinese officials are arguing among themselves. Let them reach a conclusion first before coming to talk about exchanges." He added that Taiwan will not make such criticisms, and Chinese officials should at least fight it out among themselves first before talking further. (Editor: Yang Sheng-ru) 1150423
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The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) held a routine press conference today, hosted by Liang Wen-chieh.
Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun recently revealed during a radio program interview that a young person told her: "Why do you adults make cross-strait relations so complicated? Just invite Zhang Linghe to Taiwan, and that's it."
These remarks were also brought up for discussion at yesterday's TAO press conference. TAO spokesperson Zhang Han responded that the mainland has consistently supported two-way engagement in the cross-strait film and cultural sectors and is happy to see mainland artists visit Taiwan for exchanges and to meet the Taiwanese public.
When asked for his views today, Liang Wen-chieh stated that after the star's name "Zhang Linghe" appeared at yesterday's TAO press conference, he specifically looked it up and noticed that "Zhu Yu," starring Zhang Linghe, is quite popular in Taiwan.
Liang Wen-chieh pointed out that the propaganda departments on the other side of the strait actually have a lot of criticism regarding Zhang Linghe. For example, a media platform under the People's Liberation Army said he "applied excessive rouge and powder," calling him the "lotion general" or the "foundation general." China's National Radio and Television Administration also stated the need to eliminate the worship of facial beauty and ban abnormal aesthetics.
Liang Wen-chieh said, "Anyway, the Chinese officials are arguing among themselves. Let them reach a conclusion first before coming to talk about exchanges." He added that Taiwan will not make such criticisms, and Chinese officials should at least fight it out among themselves first before talking further. (Editor: Yang Sheng-ru) 1150423
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you make is the power to guard press freedom.
Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.