Lawmaker proposes budget cuts for agency requiring civil servants to declare Chinese ties

Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC) has proposed a new regulation that would require civil servants to declare whether they possess Chinese household registration or an ID card. This move aims to enhance scrutiny over individuals in public service who may have ties to mainland China.

In response, legislator Weng Hsiao-ling has put forth a proposal to significantly cut the NDC's budget. She seeks to reduce the council's "operational expenses" by NT$30 million and freeze an additional 20% of its funds. Weng argues that the NDC's proposed regulation could be seen as a punitive measure, potentially discouraging civil servants from demonstrating loyalty to Taiwan.

Weng Hsiao-ling's proposal suggests that the NDC must re-evaluate its approach and potentially withdraw or amend the regulation. The legislator views the requirement for civil servants to declare Chinese affiliations as an unnecessary and potentially harmful policy that could create division and distrust within the public service sector.