Taiwan Strait Exchange Foundation Says Its Priority Is Taiwanese Citizens as Ex-Coach Seeks Return

Lee Dong-heon once raised China’s five-star flag on a medal podium while wearing a Taiwan team uniform. Now, after losing his Taiwanese identity, he reportedly wants to return to Taiwan with only 987 yuan left in his Chinese bank account.

The former Taiwan taekwondo coach lived in China for years and had publicly declared his loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. In 2023, his actions at a competition in South Korea drew strong criticism in Taiwan. About a year and a half ago, authorities confirmed that he had obtained a Chinese identity card.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council then canceled Lee’s Taiwan identity, removed his household registration and ended his eligibility for national health insurance. Reports now say his Douyin account has been blocked and his taekwondo gym has closed, leaving him unable to make a living in China.

The Straits Exchange Foundation said its priority service is for “Taiwanese people.” Deputy Secretary-General Li Bao-wen said that people who remain in China and have obtained Chinese nationality are no longer covered by the category of Taiwanese citizens stranded there. However, if Lee has relatives in Taiwan and wants to visit them, he may ask the foundation for assistance through those relatives. Whether he can enter Taiwan would remain subject to approval by the National Immigration Agency.

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Taiwanese people