Liu Yifei’s American Identity Criticized by Chinese Netizens Amid Rumors of Starring in Chinese Drama

Chinese-American actress Liu Yifei, known for her roles in mainland Chinese dramas, is set to star in the upcoming drama “Xian Xue” alongside rising star Zhang Ruoyun, who gained fame from the drama “Joy of Life”. This casting news has generated much anticipation among fans. However, amid the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, Liu Yifei faced criticism from Chinese netizens due to her American nationality, with some sarcastically remarking that she should pay a 125% tax on her earnings.

In recent years, Liu Yifei has starred in popular mainland Chinese dramas such as “Record of Dreams”, “Faraway Love”, and “The Story of Roses”, which have boosted her popularity. The news of her upcoming role as the female lead in the period drama “Xian Xue” has caught the attention of many, especially since the role was originally intended for Zhao Liying.

Despite the excitement among fans, some netizens shifted their focus to Liu Yifei’s nationality issue. Having American citizenship, Liu Yifei previously sparked controversy for endorsing Chinese brand “Huawei” electric cars. With the US-China trade war escalating, Liu Yifei became a target of criticism, with some netizens accusing her of earning money from Chinese people while paying taxes to the United States and suggesting a hefty 125% tariff on her earnings.

Public records show that the 37-year-old Liu Yifei was born in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, but moved to the United States with her mother at the age of four due to her parents’ divorce. She returned to China five years later and was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy, where she has been working ever since.

This is not the first time that Liu Yifei’s American citizenship has stirred controversy. Last year, she was initially nominated for the “Best Actress” award at the Chinese TV Golden Eagle Awards for her roles in “Faraway Love” and “Record of Dreams”. However, during the second round of voting, her name was mysteriously absent from the nomination list. The reason cited was the award’s rule that participants must hold Chinese nationality, resulting in Liu Yifei’s disqualification.

Amid escalating tensions between the US and China, which have fueled nationalist sentiments in China, the fate of Liu Yifei’s new drama “Xian Xue” and its reception by the public have become topics of interest. Her actions and statements have been closely scrutinized by Chinese netizens, reflecting the complex interplay between entertainment, nationality, and patriotism in the current socio-political landscape.