Kaohsiung borough chief’s billboard criticized for racism against Indians
A borough chief in Kaohsiung running for city councilor has sparked fierce backlash for his campaign. The billboard for Lee Hung-yi李紘毅, a TPP member running as an independent candidate, has a “no sign” over a man in a turban next to an upside-down flag of India, which he said means that he’s opposed to introducing Indian migrant workers. Indian-born residents in Taiwan decried the brazen racism of the billboard, but Lee refused to take it down. It’s also unlawfully used the DPP’s party emblem, which is protected as a collective mark under the Trademark Act.
Here it is, the controversial billboard for Lee Hung-yi, who’s running for the Kaohsiung City Council.
Chuang Shu-ting
FTV reporter
This billboard is placed here on Shanming Road, in Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District. Indian-born residents in Taiwan say the middle icon makes them uncomfortable.
Voice of Ms. V (anonymized)
Indian-born resident
It’s really unfriendly toward our people. You can’t display such a racist sign in such a public place. I hope they’ll remove the billboard.
Under the “no symbol” is a picture of a man with medium complexion in a turban and with facial hair, as well as an upside-down flag of India. Residents of Indian origin find it offensive. They also say that the turban isn’t quintessentially Indian, but rather particular to adherents of Sikhism. They add it’s wrong to discriminate against a whole group of people, not to mention that the candidate essentially reinforced stigma against migrant workers. It’s also the first time, they say, to see racism advertized so brazenly.
Lee Hung-yi
Kaohsiung City Council candidate
Clearly, it means that I oppose introducing Indian migrant workers. I won’t remove the billboard. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect everyone’s opinion.
Local resident
Disapproving
I think it’s inappropriate to display that in the public.
Amid the backlash, Lee still says he won’t remove the billboard. The racist imagery isn’t the only controversy here. He’s also using the DPP’s emblem, which could confuse voters, and in fact does infringe upon trademark rights of the DPP.
Hwang Wen-yi
Head of DPP Kaohsiung City Chapter
It’s already caused confusion among many people, who’ve called us for clarification. He used our party emblem in his campaign. It’s really unethical. He’s not campaigning his own policy platform, but rather smearing another political party’s policies.
The candidate is currently the chief of Gangming Borough in Xiaogang. He’s running as an independent, despite being a member of the TPP. In addition to infringing upon the rights of the DPP, he may also have to explain himself to the TPP.
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#taiwanpolitics #elections #racism #trademark
2026-05-13
