Chinese Media Strongly Condemns Taiwan Authorities' Press Suppression(?)

Taiwan National Communications Commission Denies License to Pro-China TV Broadcaster
Global Times Says Opportunity to Hear Diverse Voices Taken Away

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese media have strongly criticized Taiwan's decision to deny the renewal of the broadcasting license for the pro-China cable news channel Zhongtian Xinwen (CTi) TV.

The Chinese state-run Global Times reported on the 20th that Taiwan's National Communications Commission (NCC) refused to renew Zhongtian Xinwen TV's broadcasting license due to violations of broadcasting review regulations and news interference by major shareholder Tsai Yen-ming, chairman of the Wangwang Group.

The Global Times criticized the Taiwanese authorities, stating that Zhongtian Xinwen TV, which opposes Taiwan independence, will no longer be able to broadcast, marking the darkest period for press freedom in Taiwan. It further claimed that this move is retaliatory repression and that the Taiwanese authorities are using democracy and freedom not to uphold them but as tools for political struggle.

Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou also pointed out that "freedom of expression has been restricted under the pretext of security and democracy," and that "Taiwan independence and separatists are relying on all kinds of political tactics."

Chang Ya-chung, a member of Taiwan's Kuomintang, criticized the NCC, saying, "Taiwan's broadcasting authorities are abusing their power," and "the reasons for the broadcasting denial decision are unclear and have only caused dissatisfaction among the parties involved."

Xiao Chong-hai, a Taiwanese columnist, said, "The Kuomintang did not block pro-independence media during its past administration," calling the current move a political judgment and retaliation, and added, "The issue of Zhongtian Xinwen TV will also be raised at protests against the import of US pork."

The Global Times emphasized, "This move by Taiwan's broadcasting authorities has taken away the opportunity to hear diverse voices."

On the Chinese mainland, Tsai, chairman of the Wangwang Group, famous for rice crackers, is known to operate several pro-China media outlets in Taiwan, including Zhongtian Xinwen and China Times.

In Taiwan, there is considerable criticism that the media under his control are being used in China's public opinion warfare against Taiwan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.