China denies media reports alleging political motives in Mayday lip-sync investigation.
The claims suggest Beijing pressured Mayday to make pro-China comments, leading to the inquiry when the band refused.
Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office dismisses the reports as “fake news” and a “complete fabrication.”
Taiwan states it is examining the claims made regarding the investigation.
Mayday, celebrated for their “positive rock music,” stands as one of Taiwan’s most successful acts in mainland China.
According to an internal Taiwan security note reported by Reuters, China’s National Radio and Television Administration requested Mayday to publicly support Beijing’s stance that self-governed Taiwan is an integral part of China.
While China views Taiwan as a renegade province destined for its control, Taiwan asserts its independence with a separate constitution and democratically elected leadership.
Reports suggest Beijing aimed to leverage Mayday’s influence, particularly among the youth, to sway voters ahead of Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections on January 13.
CNN, citing a recent Taiwan security briefing, reports that requests for Mayday to support Beijing’s stance extended for months, coinciding with the start of the band’s China tour in May.
According to officials at the briefing, when Mayday declined the requests, Chinese authorities reportedly collaborated with state media to raise discussions about the band’s purported lip-syncing and issued threats of penalties.
In China, commercial regulations prohibit lip-syncing before paying audiences due to its deceptive nature. Violation incurs a fine of 100,000 yuan ($14,110, £11,240), potential performance bans, and license revocation for show organizers. While rarely enforced, some Chinese social media users question why Mayday is seemingly singled out, given the prevalence of lip-syncing among performers in the country.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council is investigating the claims, expressing concern that if true, they would further worsen “negative impressions” of the Chinese Communist regime among Taiwanese youth.
Taiwan’s major political parties criticize Chinese authorities over alleged political meddling.
The Kuomintang opposition party strongly condemns such actions, stating that if the allegations are true, it will not only be rejected by fans but also harm the sentiments of the Taiwanese people, offering no benefit to cross-strait exchanges, according to spokesman Wang Min-shu.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party asserts that the reports demonstrate China’s determination to interfere in Taiwan’s election, stopping at nothing.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office dismisses the accusations as deliberate moves by Taiwanese authorities to spread rumors, condemning it as insidious and malicious political manipulation. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the office, urges Taiwan compatriots to recognize these schemes and not be deceived.
The investigation against Mayday became public in early December. While the band and its music label deny lip-syncing, they express cooperation with Chinese authorities.
Amid increasing military and political pressure, China has heightened its influence ahead of Taiwan’s crucial presidential race, exemplified by deploying a record number of military planes near the island.