Taiwan has launched a crackdown on holders of Chinese identity documents, resulting in the revocation of Taiwanese status for more than 20 people and placing tens of thousands of Chinese-born residents under scrutiny. It is against Taiwanese law for individuals to hold Chinese identity documents, and numerous individuals have had their Taiwanese papers or passports cancelled in the past decade for possessing Chinese ID cards.
Complications have arisen following the discovery of Chinese authorities secretly offering Chinese IDs to Taiwanese people. The Taiwanese government sees this as a part of China’s influence, creating an illusion that it has authority over the nation. Many Taiwanese individuals have reported feeling targeted and suddenly unwelcome. There has been widespread debate on identity, loyalty, and the need to balance Taiwan’s political freedoms with its national security.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/taiwan-chinese-passport-id-card-crackdown
