Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns

Taiwan’s political landscape heated up after the government announced a plan to suspend access to the Chinese social media platform Rednote—known as Xiaohongshu—for one year. The interior ministry said the proposed ban stems from national security concerns and the app’s alleged involvement in more than 1,700 fraud cases since 2024. Rednote, which has roughly 3 million users in Taiwan, has not yet commented on the government’s findings or the proposed restrictions.

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), sharply criticized the plan, calling it a violation of internet freedom. Referencing online discussions about using VPNs to bypass future restrictions, Cheng accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of limiting free speech under the guise of national security. She argued that Taiwan, long known for digital openness, risks adopting the same restrictive practices it criticizes in China.

The presidential office supported the interior ministry’s decision, emphasizing that the security risks and fraud concerns warranted immediate action. According to spokesperson Karen Kuo, officials contacted Rednote for assurances about data protection but received no response. This lack of cooperation deepened the government’s concerns over potential misuse of personal information and disinformation risks linked to Chinese-owned platforms.

Taiwan has repeatedly warned citizens about Chinese apps, citing the threat of Beijing-driven misinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public trust. Despite China blocking major Western platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Google, Taiwan maintains open internet access. However, tensions rose again when China’s Taiwan Affairs Office launched a Facebook page using traditional Chinese characters, prompting Taiwanese users to flood the page with satirical posts and national flags.

As cross-strait relations remain strained, Taiwan continues to assert that only its people can determine the island’s future, rejecting China’s sovereignty claims.