After Labor Minister Hong Shen-han returned from attending the APEC meeting in Nanjing, China, a photo claiming he raised the Republic of China (ROC) national flag during the event began circulating online. The original social media post labeled the image as an 'exclusive scene,' appealing to Taiwan's dignity and equality, and directly called out political parties within the blue and white camps.

However, the authenticity of the photo was quickly questioned by netizens, who pointed out that spreading fake images as real event documentation is inappropriate. Lien Wen-chieh, Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council, shared the post on Threads and directly asked, 'What's the purpose of creating such fake photos?' Commenters also warned, 'Fake photo! Don’t fall for it,' urging others not to believe or forward the image.

Regarding actual entry and participation arrangements, Hong Shen-han clarified upon his return that he entered China using only the APEC meeting invitation letter, as per standard practice. On the issue of the Taiwan Compatriot Entry Permit (Taiwanese passport for travel to China), he explicitly stated, 'I did not apply for it, nor did I use it.' He emphasized that Taiwan's official membership name in APEC is 'Chinese Taipei,' and the key point is enjoying equal rights with other members. Thanks to Taiwan's firm stance and assistance from the APEC Secretariat, Chinese authorities followed the rules in arranging his participation, ensuring Taiwan was not downgraded or treated unequally.

Additional exclusive reports from Storm Media:

• Hong Shen-han’s APEC meeting table placard read 'Chinese Taipei'—netizens sarcastically ask: 'Where are the Green Birds who once attacked Chiang Wan-an’s wife?'
• Did Hong Shen-han’s trip to China fall into the 'One China Framework'? The Tsai administration previously referred to itself as 'Chinese Taipei,' and Tsai Ing-wen affirmed there was 'no downgrading'
• Is China planning to issue 'proxy' Taiwan Compatriot Permits? Did Hong become 'Chinese' by entering mainland? MAC issues statement