Taiwan is currently reviewing the ID documents and residence permits of more than 747,000 civil servants, teachers and military personnel. The move is part of an effort to curb Beijing’s political influence and espionage activities on the island. According to reports, including the South China Morning Post, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which oversees relations with mainland China, is in charge of the process.
The operation consists of two phases. In the first, more than 370,000 people in sensitive or high-ranking positions were screened. The authorities identified two people who had applied for mainland ID cards and 75 others with Chinese residence permits. These documents have since been canceled, the MAC said. The second phase began on Monday and includes local government officials and public school teachers at all levels, said Deputy Minister of the Interior Ma Shih-yuan.
The MAC warned of efforts by the „Chinese communists“ to win over Taiwanese citizens. Among other things, the authority accuses the People’s Republic of trying to persuade Taiwanese to move to the mainland. Taipei prohibits the simultaneous possession of Chinese and Taiwanese IDs. However, some mainland provinces, including Fujian, permit individuals who have relocated from Taiwan to retain their Taiwanese ID. According to the MAC, this would dilute national identity and hinder protection against political infiltration.
The measure has drawn criticism from Taiwan as well as from the People’s Republic. Weng Hsiao-ling, an MP of the largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), described the policy as abusive and overly restrictive. She accused President Lai’s government of harassing its own citizens instead of engaging in dialogue with Beijing. The Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing accused the government of fearmongering. Emily Kossak