Strengthening the Single Identity System Across the Strait
Mainland Passports Must Be Invalidated for Residency in Taiwan
China Protests: "Will Hold Accountable for Intentional Passport Damage"
The administration of Lai Ching-te in Taiwan is intensifying its efforts to sever ties with mainland China. The government is taking a hardline stance by requiring mainland Chinese nationals who wish to reside in Taiwan to renounce their mainland passports, and by prohibiting both current and former officials from attending Chinese military parades.
According to Taiwan's United Daily News and Hong Kong's Ming Pao on August 15, the Taiwanese government is pushing for legal revisions that would effectively invalidate the mainland passports of Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan.
The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's agency responsible for mainland China affairs, stated, "The single identity system between the two sides has long been implemented in Taiwan," and added, "Applicants will be required to cut off the corners of their passports."
The Chinese government immediately protested, condemning the proposed legislation. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said, "Organizations and individuals who intentionally damage passports will be held accountable according to the law," and criticized, "The Democratic Progressive Party authorities are pushing for legal revisions that severely restrict mainland residents from traveling to Taiwan."
Ming Pao pointed out that these conflicting measures between the two sides have caused difficulties for mainland Chinese who have settled in Taiwan through marriage.
Additionally, the Taiwanese authorities announced the previous day that they would prohibit current and former government officials from attending the 80th anniversary military parade commemorating the end of World War II, to be held in Beijing, China next month.
The Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that not only current government officials but also former high-ranking officials in defense, intelligence, and foreign affairs could face penalties such as the revocation of their pensions if they insist on attending.
With all recall votes against pro-China opposition Kuomintang legislators having failed, the ruling party appears to be intensifying its confrontational stance with the mainland in an effort to rally its supporters and overcome internal crises.
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