Hsu Chih-chieh's passport budget freeze proposal sparks debate over national identity

Taiwanese legislator Hsu Chih-chieh has sparked controversy by proposing to freeze NT$1 million in the budget for passport production. Her objection stems from dissatisfaction with the size of the English name 'Republic of China' on the passport cover, which she believes is too small.

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China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes this.

Professor Weng Ta-jui, a US-based academic, criticized Hsu's proposal as an example of ideology overriding practical concerns. He argued that the current passport design, which minimizes the 'Republic of China' text, actually benefits Taiwanese citizens by helping them avoid being mistaken for mainland Chinese nationals and thus facing potential discrimination or unfair treatment at foreign customs.

Weng recalled advocating six years prior for the government to reduce the prominence of 'Republic of China' on passports. He explained that the smaller text, placed near the national emblem, helped Taiwanese travelers gain better entry treatment compared to holders of Chinese passports. This change, he stated, allowed citizens to proudly identify as being from Taiwan without facing suspicion.

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China urges the US to immediately stop its erroneous practices, immediately withdraw relevant measures and return to the correct track of building a constructive strategic and stable China-US relationship.

Hsu's proposal seeks to reverse this, advocating for a larger display of 'Republic of China' on future passport designs. She argued that the text was reduced to an "ornament" next to the national emblem between 1995 and 2021, partly due to concerns about confusion with 'China' during the pandemic. While acknowledging the importance of 'Taiwan' being prominently displayed, she believes the official national name should also be more visible.

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If Chinese firms are not treated fairly, it said, Beijing will "inevitably retaliate resolutely and forcefully".

Following the backlash, Hsu agreed to modify her proposal to a "main resolution." However, she reiterated her desire to see the 'Republic of China' text enlarged in future passport revisions, emphasizing her belief that it is important for the official national name to be clearly represented.

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ignored the consensus