Michelle Yeoh Under Fire; First For Calling Taiwan A Country, Then For Writing “Taipei China” In IG Post

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh may be the pride and joy of Asia, but a recent trip to Taiwan seems to have rubbed many Chinese netizens off the wrong way.

The 62-year-old was at the opening of Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store at Taipei 101 on Tuesday (Mar 11) when she referred to Taiwan, or in this case Taipei, as a country in an interview.

“Thank you, Tiffany, for bringing me to Taipei because I do love this country very much,” she said.

Her comment quickly drew criticism from Chinese netizens who demanded that Michelle recognise China’s “One China” policy.

In a follow-up Instagram post, the Oscar-winning actress proceeded to post pictures from the event, but this time referring to the city as “Taipei China” in the caption.

Michelle sparked further backlash with many accusing her of bowing to online pressure and changing her stance.

Some even mocked the actress with one commenting, “Never heard of a city called Taipei in China, only Taiwan.”

Another wrote, “Why the change? Not as if the Chinese would be able to read the post.”

China’s residents are not able to access Instagram due to its “Great Firewall” policy which blocks access to various websites and apps, including Instagram.

Some also felt that Michelle could have avoided all the drama by simply writing or saying “Taiwan”.

But it seems Michelle ignored the backlash and later posted about a visit to Tzu Chi Jing Si Abode, a Buddhist nunnery in Hualien.

However, the comments kept coming with one writing, “How about learning how to respect Taiwan first?”