Lawmaker's bid to let Chinese spouses hold public office without renouncing citizenship sparks outrage

A proposed amendment to Taiwan's Nationality Act, initiated by Kuomintang legislative caucus whip Fu Kun-chi, seeks to allow Chinese spouses naturalized in Taiwan to retain their Chinese citizenship while holding public office. Currently, foreign nationals naturalizing in Taiwan must renounce their original citizenship, but the proposed change would exempt Chinese nationals, creating a potential loophole for them to serve in public roles without abandoning their Republic of China (ROC) nationality.

Officials have strongly criticized the proposal, labeling it as a move that "confuses the sole loyalty to the Republic of China" and "harms the Republic of China to achieve the People's Republic of China." They argue that the requirement to renounce foreign citizenship for public office is a matter of loyalty to the state and applies universally. The issue of Chinese nationals being unable to renounce their citizenship is attributed to the Chinese government's policies, not Taiwan's. Allowing an exception for Chinese spouses would be unfair to other naturalized citizens.

The amendment, co-sponsored by 16 legislators, would stipulate that the Nationality Act's provisions regarding renunciation of foreign citizenship do not apply to mainland Chinese individuals who have legally obtained Taiwanese household registration. This would effectively grant them a special privilege not afforded to other naturalized citizens. Critics warn that this could lead to serious controversy and pose a significant threat to Taiwan's survival and development, potentially allowing Chinese citizens to hold any elected office in Taiwan while retaining their original citizenship.

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This is confusing the sole loyalty to the Republic of China. This kind of amendment harms the Republic of China to achieve the People's Republic of China!