TAGS :
- Subtotal:
- $130.00
Why are Taiwanese Air Force Badges Becoming Such a Rage?
Taiwanese citizens are rushing to purchase patches worn by Air Force pilots that feature a Formosan black bear punching a depiction of Winnie the Pooh, symbolising Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The patch has become a symbol of resistance to China's military exercises near Taiwan, which began on 8 April, shortly after Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, visited the United States and met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite China's warnings. Alec Hsu, the patch's designer, has seen a surge in demand since the Taiwanese military news agency shared a photo of the patch being worn by a pilot. While Taiwan's Air Force does not encourage the use of the patch, it has stated that it will remain open to anything that boosts morale. China considers Taiwan its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim it. The Winnie the Pooh patch is censored on Chinese social media, but Beijing has been promoting videos and commentary about its military drills around Taiwan.