Behind the 'Lu Li'an phenomenon'
By Yang Chengxi
["china"]
Lu Li'an, a professor at Shanghai's Fudan University, became somewhat a celebrity during last year's 19th CPC National Congress. 
She was born in Taiwan but moved to the mainland 20 years ago. 
Lu joined the Communist Party of China three years ago and became a delegate to the 19th Party Congress. 
A speech that she made has generated wide discussions and debate. Her quote: “I love Taiwan and I also love the mainland” has generated what people called "the Lu Li'an phenomenon."
“I was pretty dubious about such a term when I first heard about it. I wasn’t sure whether this term was rendered in a curious, mocking light or if it was given in a positive, supportive frame,” said Lu in an interview with CGTN. 
It turned out to be the latter. She believes this signifies that there are many people in Taiwan who share her view.
However, Taiwan's authorities punished her after the speech. They have written off her household registration and announced that they will fine Taiwanese people who joined the CPC. 
“Good governance can never be attained through threats and prohibitive policies,” Lu said.
Following her speech at the 19th CPC National Congress, two Taiwanese students studying in the mainland told the press they would apply to join the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Lu said Taiwanese people should not fear further integration with the Chinese mainland. 
However, she wishes for more future policy changes that can make Taiwanese people feel at home in the mainland. 
“President Xi Jinping said over time, Taiwan compatriots would enjoy the same rights as local people when they come to study, work and live in the mainland,” said Lu.
She describes the current obstacles preventing people across the Strait from communicating better as “invisible walls.” “Tear down those walls to help Taiwan compatriots to really feel at home here in the mainland," Lu said.