Screenshot from Taiwan media of Taiwan internet figure Chen Chih-han receiving interviews

Taiwan regional internet influencer Chen Chih-han, better known as "Guan Zhang" or the "gym boss," has been indicted on intimidation-related charges over remarks made during a livestream targeting Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te. Chen firmly denied the charges and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in social media posts, which draw support from many netizens.  

The New Taipei district prosecutors on Thursday alleged that Chen, who runs a YouTube channel knowingly used "inflammatory language" during an October 5 livestream despite being aware of the channel's large and diverse audience and the likelihood that his remarks would spread widely, according to a report from China Times.

Specifically, prosecutors alleged that during the livestream, Chen said that "if we're being frank, why bother holding elections? Let's just reunify by force — no need to vote in 2027," "Leave no one behind, carry out precision strikes and decapitation." Prosecutors claimed Chen repeatedly "implied support for a military attack on Taiwan island and later escalated his remarks into explicit threats against Lai," according to the report.  

In response, Chen said in posts on his Facebook and Douyin accounts on Thursday that he was being prosecuted on intimidation charges by the DPP's Lai Ching-te, which he described as proof that "the party, prosecutors and the media are acting as one." His Douyin post was set to The March of the Steel Torrent, a piece of music also used during the military parade on September 3, 2025. 

Many netizens commented under Chen's post to show their support and encourage him to stay strong. Some mainland netizens also commented under his Douyin post, saying that compatriots on the mainland stood behind him and that there was little time left for separatists before "the dawn" arrived.

Some Taiwan regional netizens on the local forum PTT mocked the authorities' so-called "freedom of speech," saying it applies only to those favored by the DPP, and argued that the latest moves against Chen showed how "low" the DPP authorities can sink.

The indictment came after Chen was summoned in for question in October for the charges. During the questioning by the New Taipei district prosecutors office at the time, a number of supporters gathered at the scene in a show of support for Chen. Chen denied the allegations, saying his livestream remarks had been taken out of context and accusing the authorities of selectively quoting "just two sentences" to distort his intent, China Times reported at the time.
 
Chen has gained attention across the Taiwan Straits. In June 2025, he livestreamed his six-day personal visit to the mainland, seeking to challenge what he described as misleading and often negative portrayals promoted by some forces on the island, and to show a reality that differed sharply from the rhetoric many in Taiwan had been fed, according to a report from the Xinhua News Agency. 

At a press conference in June, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that owing to the long-standing promotion of "de-sinicization" in the cultural and educational spheres by "Taiwan independence" forces on the island, some Taiwan compatriots, particularly young people, have been misled. As increasing numbers of Taiwan residents travel to the mainland, their firsthand experiences have helped break through the "information cocoons" created by the DPP authorities and puncture the smear narratives they have spread about the mainland.

During his six-day visit to the mainland, Chen repeatedly expressed admiration for the achievements of the mainland's modernization and openly reflected on his previous biased perceptions. After returning to Taiwan, he called on Taiwan residents to visit the mainland in person and see for themselves. "As the saying goes, 'seeing is believing'. We warmly welcome everyone to visit the mainland, which will help foster a more objective understanding of the mainland and a more accurate perception of cross-Straits relations," said Zhu. 

Global Times