The articles on the website of the leading Taiwan newspaper were gushing about a...
TAIPEI - The articles on the website of the leading Taiwan newspaper were gushing about a new Chinese government program to lure Taiwanese entrepreneurs to the mainland.
The placement of the articles was part of a broader campaign by China to burnish its image in the Taiwanese media as part of efforts to win hearts and minds in Taiwan for China’s “reunification” agenda. The Taiwan Affairs Office paid 30,000 yuan for the two feature stories about the mainland’s efforts to attract Taiwan business people, according to a person familiar with the arrangements and internal documents from the newspaper.The placement of news stories by companies and special interests is common in Taiwan.
“The money was mostly paid via the Taiwan Affairs Office,” said the person, adding that provincial or municipal governments across China also sponsored coverage. “When funding from the Chinese government becomes a big part of your revenue, it’s impossible not to exercise self-censorship,” said a reporter, who said she was involved in several stories commissioned by the Chinese government in 2017-2018 for a newspaper based in southern Taiwan.Several reporters and newsroom managers said that some media organizations were engaging in self-censorship as stories placed by China had become increasingly important sources of income.
“Their ultimate goal is unification,” said one of the sources, who oversees Chinese activities on the island. “They think it is better to win the heart of the people than to start a war.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taiwan and Japan brace for a potential super typhoonResidents in Taiwan and Japan are bracing for Typhoon Lekima, which could become a super typhoon by the time it hits a Japanese island chain on Thursday.
Read more »
6.0 quake causes minor damage in northeastern TaiwanTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A magnitude 6.0 earthquake caused minor damage in northeastern Taiwan early on Thursday morning as the island braced for the arrival of a severe typhoon. Taiwan's...
Read more »
6.0 quake causes minor damage in northeastern TaiwanRUDE AWAKENING: Tremors woke these sleeping cats up as a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off Taiwan's northeastern coast.
Read more »
Retrophin paid pharma bro Martin Shkreli to settle legal claims — won't say how muchMartin Shkreli's lawyer told the judge in his criminal case that the 'pharma bro' will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal of his fraud conviction.
Read more »
'BH90210' Premiere: How the Show Paid Touching Tribute to Luke PerryThe new series was filmed following Perry's death -- and included three different tributes to the late actor.
Read more »