Taiwan says it will not be ‘silenced’ after China expels NYT reporter

Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said the self-ruled island “will not be silenced because of oppression” and would continue working with partners to support democracy, press freedom, and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The comments came after the New York Times reported that China ordered journalist Vivian Wang to leave the country in February, with Chinese officials allegedly linking the move to the newspaper’s interview with Lai published in December.

According to the report, Chinese authorities had also raised concerns over Wang’s coverage of topics including censorship, Beijing’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the expansion of state surveillance.

Kuo described the matter as not only an issue of press freedom and free speech but also one involving the safety of journalists.

She added that the move risked damaging China’s international image and underscored concerns about regional stability.

China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the matter.

The episode comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory despite never having governed the island and has repeatedly criticized Lai, labeling him a separatist.

The dispute also highlights growing challenges facing foreign journalists operating in China.

In April, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China criticized what it called a worsening trend of restrictions on press freedom, citing a series of incidents affecting foreign media organizations.

The reported expulsion follows other measures Beijing has taken this year to increase pressure on Taiwan.

Earlier in 2026, China reportedly blocked Lai’s planned visit to Eswatini, one of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies, by persuading several Indian Ocean nations to deny access to their airspace.

Taiwan has maintained that it will continue engaging with international partners despite mounting diplomatic and political pressure from Beijing.