In a press release on Thursday, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) released data detailing that 679 Taiwanese have had their citizenship revoked for holding Chinese ID cards in the past 10 years. However, they stated that the actual number of people holding these cards is suspected to be more than 100,000.
MAC Chairman Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) explained that China attempts to attract Taiwanese people with residence permits. He said that because residence permits are required six months before applying for Chinese citizenship, Taiwanese who obtain a residence permit will be asked to provide an explanation to evaluate whether they are defecting. Chiu advises the public that though residence permits will not negatively affect their Taiwanese citizenship, Taiwanese are not allowed to obtain a Chinese ID card.
The DPP also warned that residence permits are among other cards that China offers Taiwanese citizens, such as Taiwan Compatriot Cards and Fuzhou-Matsu Cards that allow Matsu Island residents to enjoy various benefits when traveling to Fuzhou, China. The DPP cautions that by applying, personal information is required, which may pose a risk to Taiwan’s citizens’ and national safety, and urges the public to be careful of Chinese traps.