'Crude Methods To Threaten': Taiwan Hits Out After China Expels Journalist Over Lai Interview

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 19:23 IST

The condemnation comes after the New York Times reported that its journalist Vivian Wang was expelled from China in February.

Taiwan on Sunday condemned China’s actions, accusing it of targeting the media and undermining press freedom after a journalist was expelled from the country following an interview with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, drawing fresh attention to tensions between Beijing and Taipei.

The condemnation comes after the New York Times reported that its journalist Vivian Wang was expelled from China in February.

China considers democratically governed Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly labelled President Lai a “separatist". Lai, however, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says Taiwan’s future must be decided by its own people.

According to the NYT, Chinese officials linked the decision to a December video interview with Lai as part of its DealBook summit, although Wang herself did not take part in the interview.

‘Will not be silenced’

Responding to the development, Taiwan’s presidential office strongly criticised Beijing. Spokesperson Karen Kuo said it was routine for President Lai to give interviews and present Taiwan’s position internationally.

She said China’s actions were “groundless" and described them as “crude methods to threaten the media and interfere with press freedom", adding that such moves damaged Beijing’s global image rather than improving it.

Kuo also said Taiwan “will not be silenced by oppression" and would continue to communicate with the international community in a “steady and responsible manner".

Kuo also said Taiwan “will not be silenced by oppression" and would continue to communicate with the international community in a “steady and responsible manner".

Taiwan has long accused China of increasing what it calls “transnational repression", including sanctions on Taiwanese officials and lawmakers, despite lacking jurisdiction over the island.

Foreign correspondents in China typically receive one-year visas that must be renewed annually and can be revoked at short notice.

Beijing has previously expelled multiple foreign journalists during periods of diplomatic tension, including more than a dozen in 2020 amid tit-for-tat measures with the United States.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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