Following a string of critically acclaimed works like Meet Yourself, A Dream of Splendor, and The Tale of Rose, Chinese actress Liu Yifei has cemented her reputation as a “script magnet” with her consistent choice of hit projects. Her next rumored comeback, a historical drama titled Chang Ling, is already drawing major attention, especially with Zhang Ruoyun and Zhu Yilong reportedly being considered for the male lead role.

However, before the drama is even officially confirmed, Liu Yifei has become the target of renewed criticism online, this time over her U.S. citizenship, as tensions escalate amid the ongoing U.S.–China trade war.

Liu Yifei

According to Sinchew, tensions were reignited after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a tariff of up to 145% on Chinese imports, with China retaliating by imposing 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. The White House has further threatened to increase the rate to 245%, fueling nationalist sentiment and backlash across various sectors, including the entertainment industry.

Despite the fact that this is a political and economic issue, Liu Yifei has become entangled in public debate, with her American nationality resurfacing as a point of contention. On Chinese social media, angry netizens lashed out:

  • “If she’s American, she should pay 125% tax on her salary,”
  • “She goes back to China just to make money. How convenient,”
  • “Does she even pay taxes here?”

Fans Defended Liu Yifei

At the same time, many others have come to her defense, calling the criticism unfair and rooted in bias. Supporters responded with:

  • “Do you even understand what ‘tariffs’ mean?”
  • “This isn’t about nationality, it’s just misogyny against successful women,”
  • “She hasn’t even confirmed the drama and people are already attacking her. Classic gender bias.”

Born in Wuhan in 1987, Liu Yifei moved to New York with her mother in 1997 after her parents’ divorce. Her mother later remarried a Chinese-American lawyer, and Liu subsequently obtained U.S. citizenship. She returned to China in 2002 to study at the Beijing Film Academy and quickly rose to fame as the A-list star of Chinese entertainment.

Liu Yifei

Liu Yifei has never made any political statements and has spent over 20 years living and working in China, yet her foreign citizenship continues to stir debate with every new public move.

As of now, Liu Yifei has not responded to the controversy or the rumors surrounding tax-related concerns. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly waiting for her to confirm her role in Chang Ling, which could extend her winning streak on the small screen.