Beijing Condemns Taiwan’s Xiaohongshu Ban as Anti-Democratic Action

China has condemned Taiwan’s decision to block access to the Chinese lifestyle app Xiaohongshu for a year, labeling the action as detrimental to democracy and a violation of the right to information for Taiwanese citizens. The ban, announced on December 4, 2024, comes in response to reported online fraud linked to the platform, but has sparked significant backlash on the self-governed island, where Xiaohongshu boasts over 3 million users.

At a press conference on December 10, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, criticized the Taiwanese government, asserting that the app is “deeply loved” by younger users for its community-driven content. He emphasized that many utilize Xiaohongshu to gain insights into life in mainland China and to engage with users across the strait. Chen argued, “This has made the ‘information cocoon’ created by the DPP authorities, as well as the slander against the mainland, fail completely.”

Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau justified the ban by citing 1,706 cases of fraud linked to Xiaohongshu, with losses amounting to more than NT$247 million (approximately US$7.9 million) since the beginning of 2024. Despite these claims, Chen dismissed the DPP’s rationale, pointing out that Facebook was implicated in nearly 60,000 fraud cases in Taiwan last year, a figure that far exceeds those associated with Xiaohongshu.

In his remarks, Chen stated, “What the DPP authorities deem ‘anti-fraud’ is actually ‘anti-democracy’.” He described the ban as an infringement on freedom, particularly impacting the younger generation’s access to information and social media platforms. Additionally, he noted the economic ramifications for those in Taiwan who rely on Xiaohongshu for their livelihoods, warning that such “wanton and arbitrary” actions would ultimately backfire.

The reaction in Taiwan has been vigorous, with many accusing the DPP of overstepping its boundaries and undermining the island’s reputation for open internet access. Following the announcement of the ban, Xiaohongshu has experienced a surge in popularity, reportedly topping app store rankings, while utility apps offering virtual private network (VPN) services have also seen a spike in downloads. This trend indicates that users are actively seeking ways to bypass the restrictions.

Popular Taiwanese influencer Cheap, who has over 1 million followers, commented on the situation, stating, “The more you ban, the more people want it.” He described the government’s warnings as “the best free advertising,” suggesting that such prohibitive measures often fuel curiosity rather than quell it.

Opposition leader Cheng Li-wen, chairwoman of the Kuomintang, criticized the DPP’s actions, highlighting that Xiaohongshu was not among the top platforms associated with scams in Taiwan. “This is selective censorship,” Cheng asserted, adding that the DPP is constructing a “great firewall” around the island.

As the debate over digital freedom and governmental authority continues, the implications of the Xiaohongshu ban will likely resonate across both sides of the Taiwan Strait, influencing the ongoing dialogue around democracy and information access in the region.