Taiwan Politician’s Red String Ritual & Religious Debate | News Roundup
Red Rope Incident at Religious Ceremony Sparks Debate in Taiwan
A seemingly minor incident during a religious ceremony has become a talking point in Taiwanese politics, with the chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), Zheng Liwen, at the center of the discussion. During a New Year’s Eve bell-ringing ritual at the Fa Guang Shan monastery, a red rope held by Zheng reportedly shook violently on multiple occasions, prompting her to state she felt a strong connection to divine forces. The event has since fueled both speculation and scientific explanations.
The incident occurred as Zheng participated in the traditional bell-ringing ceremony, a common practice for seeking blessings in the new year. Video footage of the event quickly circulated online, showing the red rope visibly trembling in her hands. Zheng Liwen responded to the event, stating she “strongly felt the summons of the gods.”
The reaction online was swift and varied. Some observers attributed the rope’s movement to supernatural causes, while others sought a more rational explanation. A post on the social media platform Threads prompted discussion, with many suggesting the vibrations from the bell ringing were the likely cause. One user noted that Zheng was positioned near the center of the area, potentially experiencing the strongest resonance.
“Excluding any political bias, does anyone have a reasonable explanation for this phenomenon?” the initial post asked, quickly gaining traction. Responses ranged from attributing the movement to the bell’s vibrations to more mystical interpretations, including the possibility of a divine warning or blessing. Some commenters even suggested a scientific explanation ultimately leads to the realm of the metaphysical.
However, not all reactions were focused on the potential spiritual significance. Some online commentators questioned the sincerity of the event, with one user suggesting Zheng appeared startled by the rope’s movement. Others offered more cynical interpretations, linking the incident to political motivations.
The incident comes as Zheng Liwen and the KMT prepare for upcoming elections. On February 23, 2026, Zheng hosted a New Year’s gathering for the KMT, emphasizing the need for a “grand slam” victory in the upcoming elections across Taiwan and its islands. During the event, she addressed the red rope incident, stating that everyone present at the ceremony was “very pious and very humble” and hoped their collective wishes would bring peace to Taiwan and across the Taiwan Strait.
The discussion surrounding the “shaking rope” also intersects with broader debates about the relationship between religion, politics, and public perception in Taiwan. A recent opinion piece in Feng Media argued that religious and folk beliefs should not be used as tools to suppress differing viewpoints. Another commentary published by Yahoo News criticized what it described as an “anti-intellectual society” fostered by political parties and the media.
Adding another layer to the situation, some within the KMT have reportedly expressed concerns about delays in finalizing the party’s version of a national defense bill, with speculation that these delays are linked to potential talks between Zheng Liwen and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Zheng Liwen dismissed these claims as attempts by opponents to deflect blame, accusing them of being “small-minded.”
The incident and the subsequent debate highlight the complex interplay of faith, politics, and public scrutiny in Taiwan. While the cause of the rope’s movement remains a subject of discussion, the event has undoubtedly captured the attention of the Taiwanese public and sparked a wider conversation about the role of religion in society.
In a recent interview on TVBS News, Zheng Liwen reiterated her feeling of deep reverence during the ceremony, stating, “At that moment, each and every one of us was very pious and very humble.”