Xiangsheng (crosstalk) comedian Huang Yi-hao, after performing material that satirised Chinese President Xi Jinping, was targeted by people in China who hired a criminal group to follow him and track his movements, and who even planned a staged car crash intended to leave him with ‘broken arms and legs’.
In December 2025, Huang posted a short video satirising Xi Jinping on social media, which drew a wide response online. At the end of May this year, on the day he performed at the comedy venue Comedy Club, someone threw filth at the venue.
On 11 September, Huang was hit in a staged car crash and suffered a bruised right pelvis. A joint investigation by prosecutors, police and investigators confirmed that this was not an ordinary traffic accident but a case of transnational repression by the Chinese Communist Party, once again exposing the serious threat the CCP poses to the personal safety and freedom of expression of people in Taiwan.
Liang Wen-chieh, Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council, said the government is considering amendments to the Anti-Infiltration Act to strengthen the law’s provisions on transnational repression, such as stalking and incitement to cause injury, and called on all parties to support the amendments.
New School for Democracy firmly opposes transnational repression. It is not only a threat to individuals but an open challenge to Taiwan’s democracy and freedom. The government should actively strengthen the law and inter-agency cooperation, make sure no one faces intimidation or violence because of their political speech, and safeguard Taiwan’s democracy, freedom and the safety of its people.