Taiwan Tightens Security: Civil Servants with Chinese Ties Under Scrutiny

Government Review Reveals Two Holding Chinese Passports, Raising National Security Concerns

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The government of Taiwan has completed a review of over 370,000 civil servants, uncovering instances of potential dual citizenship and raising concerns about national security. The Mainland Affairs Council announced that two individuals were found to hold Chinese passports, while 75 possessed Chinese residency documents.

The Cabinet initiated the review of military personnel, teachers, and government employees in response to expressions of support for potential Chinese military action against Taiwan voiced by some Chinese spouses. This proactive measure aimed to safeguard the integrity of Taiwan's institutions.

The first phase of the review required 373,821 individuals to demonstrate they had renounced Chinese household documents. According to reports from the Liberty Times, those unable to immediately provide proof were permitted to submit affidavits attesting to the fact that they did not possess Chinese documents.

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) confirmed that 371,203 individuals, representing 99.3% of those required, had submitted the necessary affidavits. The council will provide assistance to the two individuals holding Chinese passports and the 75 with residency documents to facilitate the renunciation procedure, ensuring compliance with Taiwanese law.

Taiwanese law strictly prohibits dual citizenship with China. Consequently, individuals holding Chinese citizenship will be required to relinquish their Taiwanese passports and will be ineligible to serve in the military, teach, or hold positions within government bodies. This measure underscores Taiwan's commitment to national security and the protection of its sovereignty.