Taiwan Criticizes China's ID Card Initiative

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has condemned China's initiative to offer Chinese ID cards to Taiwanese citizens, interpreting it as a strategy to assert control over Taiwan and potentially justify military action. MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng warned citizens about the risks associated with applying for these IDs, including inadequate data protection in China, and noted that 679 Taiwanese had their documents invalidated after obtaining Chinese IDs in the past decade. The Taiwanese government is investigating claims that 200,000 Taiwanese have received these ID cards, emphasizing a careful response to the situation. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Interior is taking corrective action against local officials holding dual citizenship, which includes dismissing non-compliant individuals. President Lai Ching-te urged Taiwanese citizens to avoid seeking Chinese IDs, suggesting that such actions could undermine cross-strait relations. In contrast, Chinese officials accuse the US of escalating tensions by supporting Taiwan's independence, reiterating China's claim of sovereignty over the island.