Taiwan Stars Shine at CCTV Spring Gala: Controversy & ‘Made in China’ Moments

Beijing – The 2026 CCTV Fresh Year’s Gala, a highly-watched televised event in mainland China, featured a significant presence of Taiwanese artists this year, sparking both attention and criticism. The gala, which aired on February 16th, included performances by a number of well-known figures from Taiwan, including Hou Peichen, Zhang Junning, and F4 member Yan Chengxu.

Hou Peichen was among eight Taiwanese artists who collaborated on a rendition of the song “Treasured Island Love Song” (Bao Dao Lian Ge), a song with strong cultural significance in Taiwan. Actress Zhang Junning made her debut appearance on the CCTV New Year’s Gala, performing alongside Zhou Huimin, Liang Yingqi, Qin Hailu, Xue Kaiqi, and others in a performance titled “Spring Dawns,” expressing themes of warmth and hope. Yan Chengxu, a member of the popular F4 group, performed the song “Intelligent Manufacturing Future” with Chen Xiaochun, Luo Jiahao, and Cai Xukun, a performance reportedly aligned with the Chinese government’s focus on artificial intelligence technology.

The inclusion of Taiwanese artists in the gala has drawn mixed reactions. Some observers have noted the political implications of the performances, particularly given the complex relationship between mainland China and Taiwan. The selection of artists with established careers in mainland China, and those who have previously expressed support for a “one China” policy, was also highlighted.

Zhang Junning, speaking about her experience, described feeling deeply moved while on stage, admitting she was overcome with emotion. She shared her feelings with the media, stating that standing on the stage was a profoundly touching experience. Hou Peichen, in an interview with CCTV, emphasized the themes of blessing and reunion that the gala represents.

The gala also featured a performance by pop icon Wang Fei, her sixth appearance on the indicate, singing a new song titled “The Moment We Shared.” The broadcast included appearances by several foreign artists, including American singer Leo Rechi.

Beyond the musical performances, a segment featuring a young girl from Hualien, an indigenous Taiwanese community, accompanied by her mother, also garnered attention. The mother shared a heartfelt message during the segment.

Although, some performances have faced criticism. Yan Chengxu’s performance, which involved dancing with robots, was described by some online commentators as “tacky” and “unsophisticated,” with some suggesting it resembled a commercial for household appliances. The employ of the phrase “Made in China” during the gala has also been a point of discussion.