President Lai Rejects Loyalty Exemptions for Chinese Spouses

President William Lai has firmly stated that there is no need to amend the law to exempt Chinese spouses from pledging singular loyalty to the Republic of China (ROC). During a recent address, Lai emphasized that such exemptions would only heighten public skepticism towards new residents from China and would not contribute to social harmony within Taiwan.

Lai described Taiwan as a “democratic, diverse, and free country,” asserting that all individuals, regardless of their ethnic background or country of origin, are part of the nation as long as they identify with Taiwan. He reaffirmed the principle of equality before the law, stating, “This has nothing to do with ethnicity or identity. Before the law, everyone is equal.”

In his remarks, Lai expressed that amendments to the Nationality Act are unnecessary. He emphasized that introducing special exemptions for immigrants from China would not only be redundant but could also create further social concerns, potentially undermining harmony within the community. “Don’t love in a way that leads to harm,” Lai advised, urging legislators to reconsider any proposed changes to the law and to prioritize national security and unity.

Lai also took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of immigrants in Taiwan. He shared inspiring stories that illustrate the positive impact of these individuals in Taiwanese society. For instance, he highlighted South Korean YouTuber Kim Jin-young, known as “ggu_Kim,” who recently obtained residency status. Kim utilized the NT$10,000 cash handout from the government to fund a large billboard in South Korea promoting Taiwan as a travel destination.

Another notable example provided by Lai was Larisa Bakurova, a gymnastics champion from Ukraine. After marrying a Taiwanese citizen, Bakurova dedicated herself to training young Taiwanese athletes to achieve success on the international stage.

Additionally, Lai mentioned Qiu Qiaozhu, a Chinese spouse from Fujian, who joined her husband’s family egg wholesale business in Yunlin County. She has actively contributed to her community by assisting the disadvantaged, demonstrating the positive role that immigrants can play in Taiwan.

In related news, the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has proposed an amendment to the Nationality Act, led by caucus whip Fu Kun-chi. This proposal, which aims to exempt Chinese spouses from renouncing their nationality when running for public office, was referred to the legislature’s Internal Administration Committee for review. The committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing next week to discuss various aspects of the amendment, including comparisons with regulations in other countries regarding naturalized citizens and dual nationals holding public office.

As Taiwan continues to navigate its immigration policies and the integration of foreign nationals, President Lai’s stance on loyalty and national identity remains crucial in shaping the discourse surrounding these sensitive issues.