"Chinese Tourists in Japan Pretend to Be Taiwanese With Passport Covers... 'It's Still Obvious'"

Taiwanese Passport Covers Trend Among Chinese Tourists to Avoid Discrimination in Japan
"Still Obvious They're Chinese" - Netizens Respond Coldly

Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, an increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan are disguising the appearance of their passports to avoid disadvantages stemming from anti-China sentiment. Some are covering their Chinese passports with covers that make them look like Taiwanese or Japanese passports, thereby concealing their nationality.

Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, Chinese visitors to Japan are changing their passport covers due to concerns about "anti-China sentiment." SNS

On December 4 (local time), Japan’s Nikkan Sports and Taiwan’s Liberty Times reported that more Chinese tourists are using "Taiwanese passport covers" in Japan to avoid discrimination. In fact, one Chinese traveler posted a photo on their social networking service (SNS) showing a red Chinese passport with a green cover inscribed with "Republic of China (Taiwan)," claiming, "Traveling in Japan was much more comfortable this way."

Another Chinese netizen shared information about Japanese passport-style covers being sold on Taobao, a major Chinese online shopping site. This individual encouraged imitation by providing details on how and where to purchase these covers, saying, "I’m sharing this so others can use it as a reference." In Japan, there are no restrictions on using passport covers. However, legal experts explain that if the intent is to make a passport appear as if it belongs to another country, thereby misleading authorities or concealing one's identity, it could constitute forgery or alteration of official documents and a violation of immigration laws.

Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, Chinese visitors to Japan are changing their passport covers due to concerns about "anti-China sentiment." SNS

Taiwanese netizens who saw these posts responded with comments such as, "Chinese people pretending to be Taiwanese is a scam," and "Do they want to be naturalized as Taiwanese?" These posts spread through Taiwanese communities in Japan, fueling further controversy. Online discussions included opinions like, "Chinese people should not disguise themselves as Taiwanese or Japanese," "Isn’t this illegal?" and "No matter what, it’s obvious they are Chinese." Some Taiwanese netizens reacted coldly, saying, "Customs officers can distinguish between passports."

As anti-China sentiment grew stronger in South Korea, Taiwanese tourists were seen traveling with badges that read "I am Taiwanese." Wearing these badges also became popular among some Taiwanese tourists online. Online community

Liberty Times reported, "These posts have sparked anger among Taiwanese residents in Japan and have become a major controversy on local social media." The outlet also introduced a recent case in South Korea. Previously, as anti-China sentiment intensified in South Korea, Taiwanese tourists were seen traveling with badges that read "I am Taiwanese." Wearing these badges also became popular among some Taiwanese tourists online. As these photos circulated online, some South Korean netizens posted apologies, saying, "Only a small minority incite hatred."