Pop diva Madonna has become embroiled in the Taiwan-China row after she draped herself in the Taiwanese flag during a concert performance in Taipei on Thursday. Madonna is currently in Taiwan, as part of her ongoing global Rebel Heart Tour.        

On Friday, Taiwan's two leading newspapers - Apple Daily and Liberty Times - published a photo of Madonna sporting the Taiwanese flag on her shoulder. The photo was reportedly captured during Madonna's concert performance on Thursday night at Taiwan's capital city of Taipei.  

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Madonna's controversial photo expectedly caused a huge uproar in both China and Taiwan. Internet forums in both countries have been abuzz with comments about 'Madonna's flag bearing photo'.

Several internet users in Taiwan greeted the photo with lot of enthusiasm, as they saw it as Madonna's symbolic support for Taiwan's sovereignty from Beijing. Chinese netizens on other hand accused Taiwanese commentators of overreacting.          

A Taiwanese person's comment on Apple Daily's official website reads: "Madonna supports Taiwan with her acts. Taiwan loves Madonna too". Thousands of such enthusiasts and positive comments were uploaded across Taiwan's internet forum today morning.

In response, thousands of Chinese internet users took to Weibo - China's equivalent of Twitter - to scorn at Taiwan's perceived over-reaction. One Chinese citizen posted on Weibo, "Madonna draped the flag and you think you are going to be recognized by the UN? So funny".          

There has not been any immediate reaction from either Madonna or from organizers of the concert about ongoing controversy.

This is not the first time that a renowned pop singer has got embroiled in the China-Taiwan row. Last month, on the eve of Taiwanse presidential election, teenage K Pop singer Chou Tzu-yu also got embroiled in the Taiwanese flag controversy after sporting a Taiwanese flag for a promotional campaign, prompting fierce reaction from people across mainland China.

The controversy was doused off after Chou Tzu-yu made a public apology to Chinese people through YouTube.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign country after splitting up with China in 1949, but Beijing sees Taiwan as an integral part of China - a territory that is awaiting reunification. Understandably so, relationship between Taiwan and China has never been smooth and cordial.            

TagsMadonna, china, Madonna Taiwan Flag