Pro-democracy Hong Kong actor Chapman To confirms Taiwan citizenship

Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) Hong Kong actor and radio host Chapman To (杜汶澤) revealed on Tuesday that he had naturalized as a Taiwanese citizen and praised President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and the sea goddess Mazu as Taiwan's two "hottest females" because "both of them protect Taiwan."

To, a staunch pro-democracy activist and a strong critic of Beijing, said he had obtained Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) citizenship, at a news conference to promote his own brand of spicy duck blood, a common street food in Taiwan.

"I'm Taiwanese," he told attendees at the news conference in Taiwanese Hoklo -- the most widely spoken language in Taiwan besides Mandarin.

To has been living in Taiwan since November 2020.

To, who has been blacklisted by Beijing in both the Chinese and Hong Kong movie market due to his pro-democracy stance, established a paid platform in 2020, which makes fun of political issues in a satirical way.

In a recent Facebook post, To, in his capacity as chairman of a Taiwan-Hong Kong cultural exchange association, said he would establish scholarships for Hong Kong students in Taiwan, while urging Hong Kongers in Taiwan to actively take part in charities here.

He said that he helped at activities hosted by the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation in southern Taiwan in January.