In the last ten years, Taiwan has revoked the citizenship of 679 individuals who acquired residence permits in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Authorities estimate that over 100,000 Taiwanese may hold PRC resident cards.
Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), head of the Mainland Affairs Council, stated that China is using residence permits as a strategy to attract Taiwanese citizens. He clarified that since a residence permit is needed six months before applying for PRC citizenship, those who have obtained PRC residency will be required to explain their intentions, helping authorities determine if the residency is a step towards Chinese citizenship.
Chiu emphasized that while holding a PRC residence permit does not directly affect Taiwanese citizenship, Taiwanese citizens are prohibited from acquiring a Chinese identity card.
The controversy in the logic lies in the Taiwanese government’s stance that obtaining a Chinese residency permit does not negatively impact Taiwanese citizenship, yet it simultaneously revokes citizenship from those who acquire such permits. This contradictory approach raises questions about the actual implications of holding Chinese residency and whether the revocation is a defensive measure against perceived threats to Taiwan’s sovereignty or an overreach that may inadvertently alienate its citizens.
https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2012257