Taiwan’s MAC Reports Chinese IDs Among Public Servants

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan has revealed that an investigation involving over 620,000 military personnel, civil servants, and public school teachers found two individuals holding Chinese citizenship and 102 with Chinese residence permits. This announcement was made on December 12, 2023, highlighting concerns about potential risks to national security.

The MAC reported that 99.79 percent of the individuals required to sign an affidavit have complied, with just over 626,000 confirming their status. Those identified with Chinese identification documents have since annulled their Chinese citizenship, according to the council’s findings. This investigation is part of broader efforts to maintain Taiwan’s single-citizenship policy and safeguard national interests.

Regular Inspections to Begin in 2024

The MAC has completed its review for the first half of the year and plans to initiate regular inspections starting on January 1, 2024. Under Article 9-1 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Taiwanese individuals who obtain a Chinese household registration or passport face the loss of their citizenship and are barred from serving in public roles, including military and education sectors.

These measures will apply to those found with Chinese ID cards or residence permits. The MAC has noted a concerning trend where such cases are not limited to the general public but also extend to active military personnel, civil servants, and teachers.

Addressing Security Concerns

The MAC has accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of employing “united front” tactics aimed at undermining Taiwan’s citizenship policy. Recent changes have made it easier for Taiwanese residents to relocate to China’s Fujian Province and obtain Chinese citizenship while retaining their Taiwanese ID cards. This strategy is perceived as an attempt to blur national identity and encourage Taiwanese citizens to pursue Chinese citizenship.

The MAC emphasized the necessity of regular checks to prevent individuals loyal to the CCP from infiltrating public institutions, which could jeopardize national security and social stability. The initial phase of these inspections will focus on key personnel in the military, civil service, and public education sectors.

For military personnel, the inspections will include volunteer service members, with non-cooperation resulting in rejected applications. Civil servants under scrutiny will encompass a range of roles, including judges, prosecutors, and various support staff. Failure to comply will hinder their ability to undergo employment reviews or renew contracts. Similarly, full-time public-school educators will be subject to these inspections, with noncompliance preventing them from participating in hiring processes.

The MAC’s proactive stance aims to ensure the integrity of public service and protect the interests of Taiwan as it navigates complex cross-strait relations.