It’s not a secret that one of the most anticipated shows for national day is CCTV’s National Day Gala, as the state-run network never fails to splash out for its yearly celebration. For this year’s festivities, Taiwanese artists Ouyang Nana and Angela Zhang were invited by the network to help mark the occasion. Ouyang Nana joined other artists on stage in singing the patriotic song “My Motherland” 我的祖國. Meanwhile, a stunning Angela appeared onstage with other celebs like William Chan, Zhang Bichen, Guan Xiaotong, Leo Wu Lei etc. in a royal blue gown singing “Guardian” 守護, a homage to the people at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19.
“Doing extraordinary things in ordinary jobs, in everyone’s time of need you came forward, ordinary yet awe-inspiring! I wish to pay tribute to each one of you, guardians of a better life!” writes Angela Zhang on her social media.
Political Controversy
Not everyone appears to be impressed however by the pair’s performance as Taiwanese authorities have threatened to punish both singers with a hefty amount for their actions. If found guilty of violating Taiwan’s cross strait regulations, Ouyang Nana and Angela Zhang stand to be fined up to half a million Taiwanese dollars.
As both are from Taiwan, they are prohibited to take part in any political activities linked to the mainland; and singing patriotic songs on national TV is construed as one. Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang has said this about the issue: “Taiwan is a free and democratic country. Some people are enjoying this democracy and freedom as well as our health insurance benefits. As public figures, they went to the mainland to sing inappropriate songs. The people will make their own conclusions.”
Last year, Ouyang Nana made her sentiments clear after declaring that “she is Chinese and that she fully supports the One China policy” in response to rumours running rife about her family’s political views.
Anon
Goodness, so this is Taiwan’s so called democracy and freedom? They need to understand what that means first. If they punish the 2 singers just for this , this is punitive, petty and spiteful action by the Taiwan local government.
Nina
agreed.
Ella
But China been threatening Taiwan. Pretend if there is a family out there being enemy with your family, they always try to kill you all if there is a chance. You guys live in fear protecting each other everyday. But one day if one of your family members went to their side and performs their anthem happily on a stage, I’m sure you’ll give them punishment too. Had this been a person with Chinese citizenship singing a Taiwan song, they wouldn’t be fined but exterminated.
anon
0.50$ has been deposited to your account, thank you for your service!
Ru
@Ella What a hilariously racist comment, if you wanted to spew mindless propanganda you could have just gone to reddit
P
That .50 cent is for you, right? So, being patriotic is wrong while being a separatist under One China is right? Stop being America’s lackey and learn to think for yourself.
Ella
@P Exactly. Are these people in the US or free country? Maybe they should go sing the Chinese anthem on a stage somewhere first and see how people will react to them. I’m sure millions of people would be willing to donate them .50 each, if that can bribe them to move out. Why stay in a free country when your heart is communist? Of course you will not be welcomed in your country if your heart is somewhere else. Appreciating other cultures arts and talents is another thing from loving their government system. Learn the definition of racism before using it.
P
@Ella, I was reply to Anon. Taiwan is a province of mainland China, even with Taiwan government denying. There is only one China within the UN charter. Taiwan is consider or is US’s lackey. Also, please learn some history before sprouting nonsense. The KMT lost the civil war and fled to Taiwan. And guess what, before that they sought help from Nazi Germany to try to defeat the CPC but failed. Pretty interesting, isn’t? Wonder why that part of history got cover up. You be the guest.
Paul
KMT is irrelevant now. The DPP is in power.
P
@Ella, also it was meant for @Anon’s comment about $.50. Plus, fifty cent is too little for the average Chinese. Instead maybe those fifty cents are US bots fighting for US cold war, tech war, etc. with China? Maybe that’s why they know that people can be hired for pennies? Conspiracy theories, conspiracy theories…
Ella
@P
Eh So I was either talking to some CCP lackeys or extreme leftist. Guessing you’re writing from the US, doesn’t like the country but comes over here to spy.
XZF
@ Ella
I agree with you. In the perfect world – China should leave Taiwan alone. Just let the people in Taiwan live in peace. That’s my opinion.
P
@Ella, guess I was taking to someone that is pretending to sleep. Enough say. You can believe what you want to believe but I believe in facts. Before labeling someone learn your facts. In the meantime continue to live in your dreamland.
P
@XZF, in the perfect world local Taiwan government would not think of separation. Fun facts: Postal services and passport of Taiwan citizens are People’s republic of China (PRC). Guess it’s only a few western ideology brainwashed individuals that would like Taiwan to be at war with mainland China. It’s already 2020 and there are still ignorant people.
Ella
In the perfect world P needs to move out of the US or any free country. Either a hypocrite or spy.
Alessi
There are a number of free countries & territories like Greece, Cyprus, Serbia, Macau, Costa Rica etc. which you’d label as controlled by ‘extreme leftist, CCP lackeys’. The idea of real freedom of speech or expression certainly seems lost on you McCarthyists. (It is also weird you’d be on the Chinese news section of this site…here to flame or show true hypocrisy, I guess?)
P
@Ella, in a perfect world I wouldn’t even be in the US but my home country, which was bombed by the US before I was born. What is your definition of a “free” country? The right to vote? To assemble? How about the right to a job? Housing? Healthcare? The right to feel save without having to worry because of the color of my skin! This is my last post back to you. Talking to people like you just waste my brain cells.
Surena Ghani
Omg!
Sooo amazing!