Taiwan's recent expulsion of a mainland influencer over social media remarks has raised concerns about freedom of expression on the island. CGTN's Huang Fei sat down with Eagle Xu, a Taiwan entrepreneur and livestream coach based in Guangzhou, to discuss the impact of such policies and the challenges faced by cross-strait exchanges.

EAGLE XU, Vice President, GBA New Youth Cultural Exchange Promotion Association "When we first came to the mainland, our simple goal was to start a successful business. The reason was simple: we speak the same language. I've always enjoyed sharing, and the mainland turned out to be completely different from what I expected. The skyscrapers in Shenzhen feel like a super city, and technologies like autonomous vehicles and EVs are incredible. Plus, young people here are so driven. These are things I want to share. There are big misunderstandings between both sides. The information we received was often filtered. We're all part of the Chinese nation, and we have the right to know the truth."

HUANG FEI, CGTN Reporter "Are we breaking through the information cocoon?"

EAGLE XU, Vice President, GBA New Youth Cultural Exchange Promotion Association "Yes, especially in recent years. New media platforms like TikTok and RedNote are booming and can't be suppressed. More young people from Taiwan are visiting the mainland and seeing the reality with their own eyes. Of course, some people still try to deny it, claiming things like the high-speed trains don't have backrests."

HUANG FEI, CGTN Reporter "Taiwan's leader is labeling the mainland a foreign hostile force and proposed 17 strategies, including restricting cultural exchanges. How will that affect you?"

EAGLE XU, Vice President, GBA New Youth Cultural Exchange Promotion Association  "This has had a real impact, and it's not just recent. Many friends of mine have faced backlash for saying the 'wrong thing.' Some couples have been forced to separate, businesses have been shut down, and investments hurt. I don't see how this helps Taiwan's future, and many are questioning it. People on both sides want peace and prosperity, but policies that harm people's lives won't win their hearts."

HUANG FEI, CGTN Reporter "You've seen firsthand the support Taiwan entrepreneurs are getting here. What makes these policies so attractive?"

EAGLE XU, Vice President, GBA New Youth Cultural Exchange Promotion Association "We thought, how could they be so generous? If your salary isn't enough, they offer subsidies. If you need funding, they provide loans. When you succeed, they reward you. This shows how mainland policies treat Taiwan entrepreneurs like family. But I think people should approach these incentives with the right attitude – entrepreneurship is about real growth, and I hope people see it that way."