Taiwan performers risk fines for appearing at China National Day show

Taipei, Sept. 28 (CNA) Taiwanese entertainers Ouyang Nana (歐陽娜娜) and Angela Chang (張韶涵) could each face fines of up to NT$500,000 (US$17,164) if they perform at China's National Day celebrations, the Ministry of Culture said Monday.

The ministry's comments came amid media reports that Ouyang will sing "My Mother Country," a popular patriotic song in China, along with Chinese entertainers at a show on Sept. 30, the day before China's National Day, and that Chang also intends to participate.

Last Saturday, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) also voiced concern, warning Taiwanese entertainers to avoid being exploited for Chinese political propaganda purposes.

They should be aware of Beijing's intention to make them promote its "one country, two systems" formula for unification with Taiwan, the MAC said, noting that those who insist on performing at the event could possibly violate cross-Taiwan Strait regulations.

On Monday, the Culture Ministry said that if deemed a violation by the MAC, Ouyang and Chang could both be fined based on the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.