A Taiwanese lawmaker says China is trying to win over Tzuyu, the Taiwanese member of K-pop group TWICE, calling it a transparent influence play that Taiwanese will see through.

• A weekly magazine reported China has made Tzuyu a new target of its influence campaign aimed at Taiwan.
• DPP lawmaker Lee Kun-cheng said Beijing's pressure reaches everywhere — entertainers, media, and culture.
• He called the move obvious to anyone watching, and said Taiwanese will recognize it for what it is.
• He pointed to the irony that Tzuyu was blacklisted in China a decade ago simply for holding a Republic of China flag.
• He also dismissed the "1992 consensus" still invoked by the KMT, arguing no such agreement exists.

Outlook: Expect more friction over Taiwanese celebrities working in Chinese-linked markets as the island heads deeper into election season.