Taiwan Intensifies Scrutiny of Citizens with Chinese IDs

Broader Investigation Targets Civil Servants and Educators Following Initial Probe

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwanese government is expanding its efforts to identify Taiwanese nationals who possess Chinese ID cards, launching a second phase of investigations.

According to Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), the initial phase focused on key personnel within the military, civil service, and public education sectors. Deputy Interior Minister Ma Shi-yuan (馬士元) announced that the second phase will broaden the scope to encompass civil servants and public school teachers at all levels, as reported by CNA.

The National Immigration Agency has requested approximately 12,000 former Chinese nationals who have relocated to Taiwan to provide documentation confirming they no longer maintain household registration in China. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) reported that as of May 22, 3,864 such documents have been certified.

In the first phase, more than 8,000 individuals have yet to submit proof of renouncing their Chinese household registration, according to Ma. Some documents are still undergoing verification at the SEF, while others are in transit.

When asked about the non-compliance rate, Ma indicated that a definitive count will be unavailable until all documentation is received. Authorities are committed to assisting individuals with completing the necessary paperwork promptly.

Currently, there are no plans to extend the June 30 deadline, Ma stated. However, the government will offer case-by-case support to individuals facing specific challenges, such as hardships or difficulties in obtaining the required documents.

The MAC also addressed a viral online video that falsely claimed actress Nana Ouyang (歐陽娜娜) had her Taiwanese nationality revoked and was banned from re-entering Taiwan due to her public support for unification by force. The MAC clarified on May 17 that the video was fabricated and intended to erode public trust.

Ma confirmed that Ouyang is a Taiwanese national holding a Taiwan ID card. No evidence has been found to suggest she possesses a Chinese ID, and therefore, her Taiwanese ID card will not be revoked.