Nicky Wu’s Taiwan baseball appearance canceled after Tiananmen Square post

Taiwanese entertainer Nicky Wu was removed from a scheduled ceremonial first pitch appearance at a baseball game in Taiwan after he posted a video of himself holding a Chinese national flag at Tiananmen Square on October 1, 2026. Following the cancellation, which the organization attributed to the entertainer’s alleged “physical discomfort,” Wu publicly reaffirmed his political stance, stating, “Even if I don’t earn money, I maintain this position.”

Cancellation of the October 4 Baseball Appearance

The incident began on October 1, 2026, when Wu, 55, shared a short video on social media showing him at Tiananmen Square in Beijing holding the Five-Star Red Flag. In the post, he included a 1991 photograph of himself at the same location, describing the act as “rushing toward a romance unique to Chinese people.”

Following the release of the video, the event organizers in Taiwan canceled his planned October 4, 2026, ceremonial first pitch. The team cited “personal physical discomfort” as the official reason for the withdrawal. Wu did not issue a formal rebuttal to the team’s statement. Instead, he released a 90-minute vlog showing him hiking the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. The video featured him moving at a brisk pace and performing the same poses he had used in photos from his youth, which served as a visual counterpoint to the team’s claim regarding his health.

Response to Online Criticism and Professional Shift

In the comments section of his social media posts, a user suggested that if he wished to continue earning money, he should maintain his stated political position. Wu responded, “Even if I don’t earn money, I maintain this position.” This exchange was widely circulated, with many observers interpreting it as a commitment to the One-China principle that supersedes his commercial interests.

Wu Maintains Long-Term Pro-Unification Stance

Wu’s recent public actions are consistent with a series of statements made over his 30-year career. In 2024, he shared content from state media regarding the eventual unification of China, and in 2025, he posted messages commemorating the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Earlier in his career, he stated in interviews that “everyone is Chinese.”

The reaction to his stance has drawn comparisons to other public figures in Taiwan. Social media users contrasted Wu’s actions with those of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, who faced criticism from mainland netizens for his political activities, and with the public reception of other entertainers. While some critics accused certain artists of ambiguity regarding sensitive political issues, supporters praised Wu for what they described as a consistent and transparent approach to his identity.

Next Scheduled Public Engagements

Wu is currently preparing for personal concerts. His office has not announced further public appearances related to sports or promotional events in Taiwan following the October 4 cancellation.