Image reproduced from 公視新聞

Recently, there have been cases where individuals have had their Taiwanese identity revoked due to holding a Mainland China residence permit, and the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) further warns that individuals who use a 'Border Travel Passport' in China, even if it has expired, could lose their Taiwanese identity.

According to MAC data, some Taiwanese tourists apply for a one-time 'Border Travel Passport' at border checkpoints between China and Russia to save money, which is much cheaper than applying for a Russian visa. Recently, many Taiwanese nationals have been seen applying for this passport at the Manzhouli checkpoint in Inner Mongolia, intending to visit Lake Baikal in Russia. The MAC emphasizes that those holding such passports are violating Article 9-1 of the Cross-Strait Regulations, which will result in the cancellation of their Taiwanese identity.

MAC Vice Chairman Liang Wen-chieh explained that as early as 2017, a case was detected where a citizen applied for a 'Border Travel Passport' to travel to the China-Russia border. Though the passport had been expired for over three months at that point, the MAC views it as illegal to have ever held it, irrespective of its validity at the time of inspection.

MAC has reiterated that this measure is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Taiwanese identity. They urge all those in possession of a Chinese passport to carefully consider the potential legal implications, as even expired documents can lead to serious consequences. According to current regulations, if Taiwanese citizens apply for a residence permit or identification from China, it violates Article 9-1 of the Cross-Strait Regulations, resulting in the loss of their Taiwanese identity.

The 'Border Travel Passport' officially known as the 'People's Republic of China Exit and Entry Pass (For Border Travel)', is issued by the National Immigration Administration of China for Chinese citizens participating in border travel activities approved by the Chinese State Council. This one-time pass is designed for easy entry and exit but carries significant legal risks for Taiwanese travelers.

If a citizen is found to have held a Chinese passport during inspections, even if expired, they cannot claim non-violation of the Cross-Strait Regulations on the grounds of expiration. Liang reiterated that the validity status is irrelevant to the government in enforcing these laws.

For those whose Taiwanese identity has been revoked or relinquished, there are currently administrative remedies available. For instance, if one finds the decision to be unlawful, they can pursue administrative appeal or litigation. Individuals who previously held Taiwanese identity but acquired Chinese nationality must also prove that they no longer have issues with dual citizenship in order to recover their Taiwanese identity.