MAC reviews rules on Taiwanese obtaining Chinese identification documents

Taipei, Feb. 18 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) is reviewing regulations and legal frameworks to strengthen oversight of Taiwanese citizens obtaining Chinese ID cards, residence cards, and permanent residence cards, as the number of such cases continues to rise, MAC head Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said Tuesday.

"As more Taiwanese citizens in China are obtaining [Chinese] residence cards, ID cards, and permanent residence cards, we are reviewing amendments to the 'Cross-Strait Act' to ensure they are aware of their rights and interests," Chiu told reporters after an interview on a radio program.

He said the MAC had planned to amend the act in 2018 to "regulate" Taiwanese citizens applying for residence cards in China, but the proposal was never forwarded from the Executive Yuan to the Legislative Yuan, where it would have undergone review, deliberation, and approval by lawmakers before becoming law in Taiwan.

The potential amendments, Chiu said, would remind the public that applying for "various identification documents in China carries multiple risks."

Past legislative efforts would be reviewed, Chiu said, adding that experts and scholars will be consulted, and discussions also be held with different sectors of society.

"Once legislative progress is made, we will provide further explanations to the public," he added.

Asked if the amendment would be sent to the Legislature in the new session starting Feb. 25, Chiu said, "We will make an effort on it."

Under Article 9-1 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (Cross-Strait Act), Taiwanese citizens are prohibited from having Chinese household registration or a passport from China.

According to Chinese law, a household registration is required to obtain a Chinese ID card, therefore holders of Chinese ID cards would be in violation of the "Cross-Strait Act."

Violators could have their Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) household registration canceled, lose their citizenship as well as their eligibility to undertake military service or hold public office.

However, a Taiwanese citizen holding a Chinese permanent residence card -- an intermediate identification document valid for a certain period that allows holders to apply for a Chinese ID card -- or a Chinese residence card does not violate the current "Cross-Strait Act."

Meanwhile, Chiu said during the radio interview that since Jan. 1, 2024, the MAC has received reports of 52 Taiwanese citizens who have gone missing or are suspected of being detained in China, as well as 13 cases involving Taiwanese citizens being detained, interrogated, or required to cooperate with investigations in China.

Chiu said that in the past, under the Cross-Strait Joint Crime-Fighting and Judicial Mutual Assistance Agreement, China would proactively notify Taiwan of such cases.

"However, recently we have to take the initiative to report individual cases to them [Chinese authorities] before they will assist with inquiries and report back to us," Chiu said.

He urged Taiwanese citizens traveling to China to remain vigilant and evaluate potential risks during their trips.