Taiwan singer ignites debate by showing popular ‘vacuum belly’ technique to lose weight

South China Morning Post Human InterestNews ReportEN 1 min read 100% complete by Alice YanMarch 17, 2026 at 07:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Taiwanese singer Ella Chen Jiahua ignited debate after demonstrating the "vacuum belly" technique at a concert in Xian, Shaanxi province, China on March 7. Videos circulating online show Chen performing the exercise, which involves contracting the abdomen while holding one's breath, causing her ribs to protrude. The 44-year-old singer explained and performed the routine for the audience, encouraging them to observe closely. The demonstration, intended as a "stunt," triggered a strong reaction from the audience and has since gone viral on Chinese social media. The incident has sparked controversy regarding the promotion of potentially unhealthy body image ideals.

Article Analysis

Framing Angle

Human Interest

Primary framing

Public Health

Secondary framing

Measured

Sensationalism

Factual

Fact vs Opinion

OpinionFactual

Sources Cited

Limited sources

AI-powered analysis of article framing, tone, and source quality. Scores help identify potential bias and information quality.

Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

Chen, 44, tells her audiences: “I would like to perform a stunt for you...Cameramen, please zoom in on me.”

quote — Ella Chen Jiahua100% confidence

Ella Chen Jiahua showed her contracted belly at a concert in Xian, Shaanxi province on March 7.

factual100% confidence

Chen holds her breath and shrinks her belly and holds the position for about 10 seconds.

factual90% confidence

Videos of Ella Chen Jiahua showing her contracted belly have gone viral on social media.

factual — China Youth Daily90% confidence

A Taiwanese singer has sparked controversy for performing a “vacuum belly” workout routine.

factual90% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

China Youth Daily 40% Shaanxi province 50% Xian 60% Taiwan 70% China 70% Ella Chen Jiahua ×490%

Keywords

vacuum belly 100% ella chen jiahua 90% taiwan singer 70% workout routine 70% concert 70% weight loss 60% controversy 60% shaanxi province 50% xian 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Article Type

News Report

Classification Confidence

85%

Geographic Perspective

Taiwan

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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vacuum belly ella chen jiahua taiwan singer workout routine concert weight loss controversy shaanxi province xian

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