Taiwan authorities on Wednesday, May 20, strongly condemned the “biased remarks” made by a political candidate in an election poster and stated that it “deeply regret and strongly condemn any form of prejudice, racism and discrimination.”
“Taiwan has long been committed to planning the introduction of Indian migrant workers. Regarding the recent discriminatory publications/comments made by certain individuals in Taiwan, we solemnly clarify that such biased remarks do not represent our stance. Taiwan cherishes the values of democracy, inclusivity, and diversity, and support people to people exchanges between Taiwan and India,” the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) wrote on X.
It added, “We deeply regret and strongly condemn any form of prejudice, racism and discrimination. TECC sincerely look forward to, and will continue to promote, further exchanges between both sides to enhance mutual understanding.”
Taiwan has long been committed to planning the introduction of Indian migrant workers. Regarding the recent discriminatory publications/comments made by certain individuals in Taiwan, we solemnly clarify that such biased remarks do not represent our stance. Taiwan cherishes the…
— Taiwan in India (@TWIndia2) May 20, 2026
This comes after a major political row in Taiwan over Indian migrant workers turned into a wider debate on racism, election politics as well as the island’s ties with India.
It all started after images of a billboard put up by Kaohsiung-based ward chief Lee Hung-yi started circulating on the internet, The poster showed prohibition symbols over the Indian flag and a man in turban. This triggered outrage among Indians living in Taiwan.
As per Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), Lee Hung-yi is a ward chief from Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District and is contesting the November city council election as an independent candidate.
He has defended the billboard and openly opposed Taiwan’s plan to admit migrant workers from India.
While talking to CNA, he clearly mentioned that he did not oppose migrant labour overall, but was objecting specifically to Taiwan’s move to allow workers from India.
The billboard drew criticism after a resident of Indian origin in Taiwan shared it on social media and noted that it amounted to “blatant and direct racial discrimination”.
“I can respect that everyone has different views on migrant worker policy. You don’t want Taiwan to open up to migrant workers — that is your political stance. But expressing it in this way really doesn’t seem right,” read the post.
Meanwhile, Wang Yi-heng, head of the New Power Party’s Kaohsiung chapter, has condemned the campaign and termed it “utterly ignorant”.